Bought a 1988 bowrider with a 3.0 Mercruiser earlier this summer. Have had a lot of questions since buying it but have found answers to all my questions in the archives so far. This is my first post.
Engine runs fine with good power but have noticed it has a tick or knock in it that comes at 1/2 crankshaft speed so clearly something with valve train. I pulled the valve cover and adjusted the valves according to the service manual, giving about 1 turn on the nut after just removing all play in the push rod. They seemed pretty tight at that setting but after a few minutes they all seemed to loosen up which I understand is what's supposed to happen as some of the oil is squeezed out of the lifters. I was just about to replace the valve cover when I happened to notice from the side that the intake valve on #2 had about twice the amount of thread sticking out from the adjusting nut as all the other 7 valves. Could this be a sign of a bad lifter? It did tighten up and seems just as tight as the other valves right now. Just seems a little funny that one is so different. Thanks in advance. I was hoping to find an obviously bad lifter given the ease of replacement and low cost.
Engine runs fine with good power but have noticed it has a tick or knock in it that comes at 1/2 crankshaft speed so clearly something with valve train. I pulled the valve cover and adjusted the valves according to the service manual, giving about 1 turn on the nut after just removing all play in the push rod. They seemed pretty tight at that setting but after a few minutes they all seemed to loosen up which I understand is what's supposed to happen as some of the oil is squeezed out of the lifters. I was just about to replace the valve cover when I happened to notice from the side that the intake valve on #2 had about twice the amount of thread sticking out from the adjusting nut as all the other 7 valves. Could this be a sign of a bad lifter? It did tighten up and seems just as tight as the other valves right now. Just seems a little funny that one is so different. Thanks in advance. I was hoping to find an obviously bad lifter given the ease of replacement and low cost.
