Rather than go thrugh all that fuss, why not just bump the starter? Or better yet, adjust the valves with the engine running? It takes all of 5 minutes once you get the valve covers off.
Ok, I won a small victory tonight. I adjusted the valves which resulted in a much improved idle (though still having mystery problems). Upon adjusting them, while the car was running, I found that if I adjusted the nut ( 1/2 a turn after the rocker stopped making noise) the engine literally almost dies... SO I adjusted it just under 1/4 a turn (this sounded the best). Also, upon loosening the nut it seemed like most took 2-3 turns (guessing) before it started making noise. Not sure if im being paranoid.
Hey Zoo, THAT WAS FUN! yea im wierd.
When I get time I will examine the intake manifold gaskets. This sounds like a vacuum problem as I have run into them (twice since owning the car).
If that fails I will examine my distributor, other electrical stuff, and tear the carburetor apart once more.
I would also like to rant about how great Sears' Diehard Gold batteries are! Since the car sat for 6 weeks the first two were spent repeatedly starting the car and the rest it sat without being starting period. Then tonight it had just enough juice to turn over . Also it took about 10 minutes of idling for it to be almost fully charged! Sorry, the last few batteries I have used were complete garbage.
***Forgot to mention that I checked the PCV valve. Like I said, I changed it last year along with replacing the grommet last night. It has suction and the symptoms become worse when placing my thumb under it. Dam I was hoping this was the problem.