The push rod thing has happened to me twice. I'm amazed I didn't think
of it when I first read your post. Good job!
Miguel

On Wed, Aug 26, 2009 at 7:32 AM, Ken Wilford<kenwilfy@comcast.net> wrote:
> Andy, Mark is right, check your compression.  You have a cylinder that
> has zero compression.  Probably what has happened is that one of your
> push rods has gotten uncentered from the lifter and it holding a valve
> open.  Don't feel bad this is a common thing to happen.  I know about
> this problem, try to keep it from happening and it still happens to me.
> The best way I have found to be sure that all of your push rods are
> centered in the lifters is to use a maglight and shine it down each push
> rod tube one at a time and visually confirm that the push rods are
> centered.  I almost guarantee that you will find at least one that is
> off center.  Let us know what you find out.
>
> Ken Wilford
> John 3:16
> www.vanagain.com
>
> Andy Morse wrote:
>>
>> 86 syncro....Ever since I adjusted the valves( I know I did them right,
>> plug wires on are on the right spaces, new distributer cap, new plugs now,
>> new fuel pump) I still haven't been able to get the van to run right. One
>> moment I can get it running but doesn't seem to be firing on all cylinders,
>> then another time I can't keep it idling, another time it won't start.
>> Before I adjusted the valves all was fine except for a finicky fuel pump,
>> unless it was some other sypmtom. Gasoline is fresh.
>>
>> I'm really beside myself, I just spent a sh*t load of time replacing the
>> heater motor, brake lines, brake master cylinder, new battery, new starter,
>> fuel pump, fuel filter, distributor cap, plugs, oil change....and all of the
>> sudden it doesn't run anymore, I am so puzzled at this one! ok whining
>> over....
>>
>> Looking forward to getting away from it for a few days, going camping in a
>> tent with my two year old daughter and wishing I had done CFC!
>>
>> Thanks for any suggestions!
>>
>> Andy in Albany, NY
>>
>>
>