[fwv98]

Thankyou for your timely advice!
I checked the radiator which was full at operating temp. So I'm not losing coolant. One indicator however; the overflow resivoir of the coolant system has about an inch of brown-green sludge. I flushed the coolant before the timing cover gasket repair and found the same contamination 4 months ago.

The reference to a "valve-job" was the recomendation of a local auto-repair franchise manager; who specificly said the valves would be "sent out" to be ground at a cost of $2500-$3000 for the entire job.

I followed your instructions-observing the front valve bank with a flashlight and there were copious amounts of oil on clean rocker assemblies-a virtual spurtfest on shiny non-sludged metal.

before I consult a second opinion, what constitutes a comprehensive diagnosis? In other words, what should a mechanic do, short of a tear-down, that would justify the initiation of an overhaul do to the suspect valve?

Again, thanks for your insight.
fwv98