Quote Originally Posted by IC2 View Post
When you get in a hurry, some things happen.

Way back when my engine was being done, I forgot to order hardened push rods for my upgraded camshaft/rockers/springs. While looking for that strange noise, decided to pull a rocker - oops, the regular OEM push rods are galled - and my guess is that they flexed and contacted the head. And no, with a mild hydraulic cam and fairly 'light' springs, guide plates should not be really needed.

Now - that strange noise - might have just been a very loose water pump pulley. Since I can barely get to the flat socket head screws with an allen wrench, there is no Loc-Tite on them - so if that fixes my problem, it will just be a regular maintenance item. If it's something else, and internal to the engine - it might just get interesting (read that as expensive as well as time consuming)

Hey Dave, good to see you posting! Sorry you're posting potential engine problems. Hope tightening the water pump pulley makes it purr like a kitten!