I am going to work on the valves and as you say Jim..from the manual and in the right order. I have checked with a vacuum gauge and that seemed fien to me. I followed the instructions that came with the gauge.
Moe,
What do you mean "wipe the old cam"? I do dnot flush this but did remove all the covers (valve, side, pan) and cleaned out all the sludge in the pan. I am using modern detergent oil.
Should I use non detergent oil?
I do get a lot of puffing. When I have some time I will do the valve adjustment and see what gives.
Thanks
Rich
Rich, I am by no means an expert in this regard, but I thought I'd pass it on: if indeed the puffing is suggestive of sticking valves, it might be harmless to consider an oil additive called ZDDP. This is a zinc derivative that was present in oils "of the day" when your 216 was created, and as modern engines incorporated roller rockers and such rather than solid lifters, less of this lubricant supplement was required. I recently had some machining done on my GMC 302, and the shop insisted that this additive be used, at least during the break-in period. Just a thought.
