Sorry for a tow vehicle question in this forum, but it seemed appropriate.

I blew a head gasket in my '96 Chevy 350 K-1500. Got water in the oil, and it turned pretty thick. I tore it all down and replaced both head gaskets. With it all back together, I have no compression - valves are open.

The book says tighten the rocker until the pushrod tensions, then another 3/4 turn - the valve should still be closed. I've loosened the rockers, put air pressure in through the spark plug hole, and start tightening. The valve opens after 1/4 turn.

I don't know that much about lifters, but I wonder if the gooey oil has screwed them up so they don't have the correct compliance, forcing the valves open early.

I'm considering my options, and here's my list:
1) Leave the rockers loose, hope it starts, and hope the goo pumps out of the lifters. Then adjust them properly.
2) Take the intake back off, take the lifters apart and clean them (don't know if this is possible).
3) Buy new lifters (don't know what this costs).

If option 1 is feasible, can/should I run it with the valve covers off?

Comments?

Thanks,

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Marty Doane
ITS RX-7 #13
CenDiv WMR