I was helping my brother get his 3.1 fixed. The car did not run until we TDC it and set the timing. He noticed, as well as pointing out to me, that when the oil cap was off you could see the valve spring was'nt going up and down near the #2 plug. I told him toget some Seafoam and pour in to see if its was just sticking. What are the chances of it having to be replaced?

Ken

 

its running fine, so it shouldn't be a problem. unless you start having problems with it I wouldn't worry too much.

 

If the valve spring isn't moving then you have a problem with the cam. It's proably go a flat lobe, so it'll have to be replaced. Valve springs don't stick, tey are WAY to heavy to let sludge gum them up. If the valve spring and rocker aren't moving, it's time for a cam.

 

I wouldn't really rely on your powers of perception through a small hole looking under something as dark as a valve cover. valve springs don't move that much as is, further investigation would really point you in a better direction than a few of us sitting back and guessing, but as 2_point8_boy said, it would probably mean a new cam. I would go ahead and replace the pushrods and rockers though if it really isn't opening the valve.