Hello-
        This weekend I finally got around to doing a final compression test
and pulling the rocker arms off after my 87 syncro lost all power a few weeks
ago as I was driving home. The compression results were mostly as expected
(except for one very high reading - 175 in #2). When I pulled the rocker
arms, the valve retainer for the #3 intake fall off into my hands, followed
by the springs. I guess I found the source of the metal shavings under the
left valve cover.

        Does anyone know what causes valves to break just below the valve
retaining plate (besides forces and stress ;) )? I am just trying to get
some idea of what could have happened besides poor repair work - 5k seems
like short lived valves... I would just like to get some ideas of what could
have caused the valve to snap before taking the heads back to the shop that
did the work...

dave