I've got a question on this, I just finished rebuilding my 92 22re, put a new cam in it, set valves loose, broke it in, went to tighten them up after break in and the #1 cyl intake valve wasn't showing nearly as much threads as the rest of them, about 1/2 as much thread actually. This was a little unnerving. I double checked all the settings and had my neighbor who has worked with motors (mostly domestic though) for 20+ years verify they were all set right for my new cam. Does having that big of a difference in threads showing say something? The motor is really noisy, partly due to exhaust leak, I think, but can't find - but also seems to be valve noise related. What do I need to check for, how do I diagnose this problem. Most everyone here is more into domestic stuff so I'm having trouble trusting local mechanics. Not to mention you seem to be the resident mechanical genious. thanks in advance EB.

Oh and my cam gear is not yet set 2? advanced, (adjustable cam gear ordered and on the way) would that have anything to do with it?