Lifter preload and pushrod questions.

Is the push rod/s bent?

Push rod is straight

Do you have compression in that cyl?(us a push rod from another cyl if need be)

I doubt it; When push rods retract as the cam rotates, the valves stick open for a little bit before closing. Engine builder checked this.

How long did you let the motor set, after rebuild, before you started and broke in the cam?

Engine sat for about 6 months. Started and broken in by shop that did the installation. They have a lot of experience with hot rods (that's all they do) and they did ask me if it had a flat or roller cam so I guess they know how to break in an engine.

You said you have adj rocker arm.....right. do you know how to set and or check "preload" of the lifters?

I'm assuming preload was set by by the engine builder.

this is what need to be figured out before you worries much about removal of head.

Engine builder said heads need to come off to see why valves are sticking. How likely is it that bad gas could cause this? Engine builder says very likely. Others have said "maybe but doubtful" to "no way." If it WAS caused by bad gas I guess I just learned an expensive lesson, I just want to make sure it really WAS caused by bad gas and the machine shop isn't just CYA'n themself.

Cheers,
Ken