Have tightened valves three times. Each time, great power for a mile, then a pop, then some loss of power; engine warning light goes on until next start, then off. Car still runs, but a mite rough.

Had previous overheating problem, which caused push rods on #1 to break & #3 to bend. Replaced rods and engine head gasket. No probs with push rods since.

Engine is a "Wonder." Weirdly, bolt holes at #1 and #7 pistons are drilled into water jacket. Welded stud to #7, but not enough clearance to do same at #1. Threading tape stopped the leak there.

Prior to swapping engines, had "Wonder" engine block cleaned, crack checked, honed and bored along with the rotating assembly balanced.

Battery was bad; replaced it; problem persists: can't keep #1 valve from lashing or in adjustment, as if there's too much piston pressure. Engine is running rich.

What's my problem? Springs? Wrong valve clearance? Fuel injectors? Would one-piece rocker/push rods solve this problem? Some burning on distributor leads to spark plugs.

Not sure I've given you enough or too much info; I'm a (very old) English major.

 

Common cause of this, is simply, wore-out rocker nuts; backing off.

Go to the hardware store and pick up 16 3/8"-24 (fine) nuts. Use em to jam the rocker nuts.

 

Thanks, Sofa; I'll try it.