Q&A

a compression test confirms that one cylinder head is leaking from the valve area. My important question is that: can the stuck lifter be removeable and then replaced? and the camshaft lobe condition?
thank you for your advice.

Has anyone pulled the valve covers and checked the rocker arms for push rod wear through? Have seen it on this engine!
I have to agree with zip!! (Answer 2) I like the way you/we think! Even if it is sorta weird (sometimes).

done that, and checked push-rods, found okay! Could someone tell me if the stuck lifters are removeable for replacements, and chances for camshast lobes damaged? the lifters have rollers on their bottom though. No engine's overheat as well. thanks

Tear the engine down and replace the worn parts!! Cam lifters ect! Yes all of it can be replaced.

Thank "wetry" for a quick reply. Some said that the camshaft's lobes could have been worn down as well.
But if my engine can still run with some roughness from these possible-worn-out camshaft lobes, it is fine with me; I only plan to use this old car for a short commute. How bad the camshaft's lobes would be so that the engine will not run okay? Anyones have experience? thanks!

The affected cylinder(s) may not fire properly (or at all) dumping unburned fuel into the exhaust trashing your converter , causing it to not run ,or before that , overheat and blow a headgasket rendering it completely useless.Maybe diagnosing and fixing it right once will be more effective , even for short commutes.

Thank Ziptie for reply. You used the word "may not fire properly" so the cylinder can also fire okay!
it might be worth why just to replace everythingelse, except the camshafts and test fire the engine?

Cam lobe height (lift) can still be measured by push rod travel. When covers were off were any rockers loose?
And were they removed and inspected for wear at the pivot and push rod saddles?
Also engine pop or backfire through intake should be indicative of valve not opening when throttled up sharply. I bet it is a rocker arm(s).
We just trying to help!!

Thank wetry! your idea is great, just measure the push rod travel to see if the camshaft's lobe will be okay! With a new hydrolyic lifter installed, how many mm or fraction of an inch, should an okay camshaft lobe push the push rod up?

BTW, when I open the cover, about one or two arm rockers were lightly lose. I believe due to worn-out arm rockers'balls. Rockers are non-pivot type. thank for yours help.