Was running down the road to McDonalds and had a drop of power and started hearing a lot of popping and sputtering and my check engine light started flashing.
(Was already on for a coil but didn't think it was gonna hurt it running down the road real quick.)
So i checked the compression on the car every cylinder was good other then #4 (Seen on a form that maybe a valve adjustment might help but it didn't)
Knowing the Ap1s are notorious for dropping valves i had to investigate.
After taking the head off i didn't see anything visible wrong with the cylinder walls pistons or any damage to the valves. (So i gave up and was gonna do a LS1)
But just walked into my garage for a second look and looking close at the head noticed that there was a exhaust valve that was pushed really far into the retainer. Went a rented a valve spring compressor trying to remove it and put a little pressure on the spring and the valve snapped right under the keepers. (a little more burnt on one side of the valve then the other showing a leaking valve i think)

The moral of that story is I was wondering if the retainer would cause my problem (compression loss due to leaking valve).

 

Should have done a leak down before pulling the head.

 

Was pushing out like 50psi to that cylinder.

 

Whats going on with this motor dose not make since to me either. (No troll replies please really need help with this)

 

Nah thats why i said a leak down, not a compression test. Leakdown helps you pin point where the compression loss is coming from. For instance if your cylinder is tdc and you pressurize it and hear air coming from your exhaust then you exhaust valves are not seated and same goes for the intake.

 

7 of the 16 retainers where cracked and 4 where about to give out. Taking the head to a shop make sure its ok then off for new valves keepers and retainers. (Hoping for the best expecting the worst.)

 

I have a ready to go, fully built head if you dont want down time.

 

Engine was over reved by you or the previous owner.

You will likely find bent exhaust valves.

The valve snapped because it was being levered back and forth due to rocker arm contact with the retainer. You will likely find an etched/damaged camshaft and rocker also.