It doesn't need head gaskets .... it was either mis-diagnosed or the shop lied to the PO to get more work. The water and oil were mixing through the rotted intake gaskets. Also, good compression all around...

 

it is possible that one or more of the lifters have collapsed. yes, lifters out of adjustment will cause engine to run like crap. and if you adjust rocker too far down, there is no valve seal to create compression. as a rule of thumb, 1/4 turn past no tick is good, any more and it's too much. if you have to go past 1/2 turn, you probably have a bad lifter, bent pushrod, and/or flat cam

 

Ok, thank you guys again for all the help.

I'll go drive it again, and see how it runs....

 

I bet you have the rocker arms you adjusted to tight...i would ajust the valve lash on all of them again...this time tightening until the noise stops and then 1/4 turn more...also double check the firing order and timing.

 

I loosened up the rockers to 1/4 turn past ticking. Checked the firing order, and timing.

The code is a random misfire.

Not sure what to check now.

 

So you still have low power? Have you check fuel pressure, vacuum leaks, battery, egr, etc?

 

Well, its not only low power... its rough too.

Which explains the "random misfire". There are no other codes....which makes it easy to pin point whats wrong

I haven't really checked anything yet.... tomorrow (well later today lol) will be big diagnosis day.

 

I also did the lifters per Chilton's spec of 360 degrees after no lash and had the same result. Went back to 90 degrees after no lash and it runs fine.

 

Its obvious but also in the wrong direction from where you have been thinkin. Have you thought to unbolt the exhaust? I have had vehicles before that were somewhat new and had no power, you tromp on her and goes to 30-40 coughs and falls on her face. all that oil and water mabey got into cat and gummed it up? muffler fell apart and is plugged? its an easy thing to check...and it may just save ya a headache