hello scottfish

well you need to consider a valve compensating element [lifter] is the culprit. i'm not saying it is i'm merely suggesting that this should be looked at.

if it is the element then leaving it alone will lead to additional failures. such as rocker failure and even possible cam damage. if this is it it'll cost about 20$ for the part [assuming no other damage] 5$ for the valve cover gasket and maybe about 1 hours work.

this very thing happened to my 420 and it cost me a cam, rockers and lifters.

now it might only be an exhaust leak ticking away. but the minimal space the guy was talking about makes me think of element height being off. and perhaps ready to add shims to make up for it. but if it's ticking i would just replace the thing.

let us know what was the problem. if it's the element let me know which one. i'm working on a theory that the back two cylinders are the ones to go first.

good luck

__________________
Thanks Much!
Craig

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