ChaoticEntity@gmail.com wrote:
>> i still say cam timing's off. it's easy to set the cam and the crank so
>> they align, but have the belt one tooth out simply by having the belt
>> slack. you need to assemble, tension, then re-check the mechanical
>> timing /afterwards/. carefully rotate the motor three times, then
>> slowly bring the crank timing point up to tdc keeping the belt under
>> tension. only then can you be 100% certain that cam timing is correct.
>>
>> and to emphasize, ignition timing is a different matter entirely to cam
>> timing - ignition can look perfect with the cam 19 degrees out. the
>> gotcha check for this is the position of the distributor - it should be
>> roughly in the middle of the rotation slots. if the cam is out, it'll
>> be towards one end.
>>
>> finally, use the right book - some are crap. helminc.com is the source
>> for factory honda service manuals - easily the best investment you'll
>> ever make in your honda if you do your own maintenance.- Hide quoted text -
>>
>> - Show quoted text -
>
> followed step by step from the honda service manual, well then
> tomorrow I'll rotate the crank pulley to TDC, take the valve cover off
> and check the marks on the camgear just to triple check the mechanical
> timing.
>
> Any ideas what it might be if it's not the timing? vacuum leak?
>

i agree with tegger - bent valve. you said that you adjusted the valves
to factory spec - were any significantly loose before you did that?
unless abused, honda valve lash rarely drifts that much.