This is my reply to myself for this post, go there to see all the messeges:

http://www.brickboard.com/RWD/volvo/1348457/120-130/120_misfire_blue_smoke_oil_1_plugneed_valves_rings.html


Thanks for all the suggestions...now get ready for a questionable fix!!!

1st the good news...I learned how to adjust my valves (a first time for me), all 4 cylinders working, no blue smoke, nice power...but for how long?

So, the problem? Well, I took off the valve cover to see if the #1 cyl valves were moving, and low and behold the #2 valve (counting from the radiator back, I think that's the standard numbering???) was not moving and it was REALLY obvious why it wasn't - the rod that seats into the adjustment screw part that rocks back and forth was NOT SEATED, it was totally off to one side. With some tinkering I got it out (which involved sliding the rocker thingy over on that top bar). Of course it was slightly bent. I expect the next decision will be the questionable one, since I simply went to my work bench and bent it back to *mostly* straight (really not that bad at all), then I put it back in and there it sits.

Still going to do a compression check, but I guess my question is, how bad was that decision? Mind you, this car hasn't been registered in Oregon for 12 years...and I really need to attend to the brakes (which are fine but have to be pumped to really work). Are there other things that should be adjusted post-valve adjustment?

Thanks guys, and please don't harp on me too bad for my sub-optimal fix!