Looks like a victim of Variable Lash Adjustment Syndromes to me. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> LOL

Seriously now, you say it was #4....which happens to tighten up clearance as the engine comes up to temperature. Just so happens #1,2 & 3 tend to slacken some what. You also mentioned it was tight to begin with...add this to the heat factor and you get a moooshed adjusting screw tip.

If your adjusters arent centered over the valve tip, they will walk off as the valve goes through its complete motion. Best way to check alignment is to pull the adjuster completly and look down the rocker hole...the valve stem tip should be all you see...no retainer. If they are misaligned it could be due to missing alinment dowels for the rocker stands, worm spacers and lateral springs on the shafts...or a rocker assembly that was assembled out of order.

~Darin <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/baby.gif" alt="" />