the push rod has dis_engaged on number 8 valve managed to repair and could find no obvious cause.
after about 4 weeks of running and about 800 miles the same has occured again is this a common fault and can it be repaired

bigal, July 2008

Hi, I think caine has lost the plot here, to replace the the cam followers requires the engine to be removed from the car and engine to be totally dismantelled to remove the camshaft and then the "cam" followers, an expensive job!! The valve gear on the head is a less costly repair as it can be done without removing the engine, the most important thing is the "tappet" clearance as this varies from year to year and can only be determined by the engine code! The other thing that these engines suffer from is the oil passage way from the engine block to the "rocker shaft" can get blocked by "gunk" caused by lack of oil changes and this causes premature wear to the "rocker shaft" and the pads on the rocker arms.
There is no Ford service bulletin that covers this problem, as if the correct servicing methods had been carried out the problem wouldn't of been allowed to develop.
What tappet clearances are you adjusting too?? and whats the engine code??

Nigel, July 2008

Only 2 condition's can permit this:worn follower allowing rod to slip/disengage,or sticking valve giving temporary massive tappet clearence.renew follower first,it's cheapest.head has to come of for valve work.

caine, July 2008