you don't pull the head to do a valve spring

 

True, but most folks aren't set up with the required tools to do so.

 

You just need a compressor. No particular tool.

 

good news. the MMO has got the valve at least opening a little so no more backfires in the intake manifold. I'm going to give it until monday to improve more, then i will hit it with SEAFOAM unless someone thinks otherwise.

I really just need to squeeze out another 6 months before replacing the parts.

 

Seafoam and MMO worked for me.

I ran Seafoam through the crank case right before an oil change and added a qt of MMO to 5qts Amsoil 5w30 when I filled her up. My lifter in question has been getting progressively quieter ever sense.

 

more progress. Was cruising down the high way then when I exited and came to a complete stop the lifter was operating better. Take off is still a little rough but hey it's cruisin just fine.

How long should I run seafoam, if at all now. If the problem is going away is it worth chancing another engine cleaner?

 

Let the MMO do it's job till your next oil change. Keep an eye on the oil level too.

 

If you have a sludge buildup, engine flushes will actually put more crud in the lifters. Gamble based on how much sludge you have.

 

Agreed, it can happen. That's why you never just dump it in and forget about it. Monitoring oil pressure and replacing the oil and filter shortly after adding any cleaning additive is always the right thing to do.

 

I didn't forget about it, I was just hoping to get lucky.

I will post up when I get to the next oil change. Everyday I can feel a little more power come back. It's definitely reassuring.

 

UPDATE!

Alternator died so the jeep had to sit until the weekend when I could fix it. Engine is sounding waaay better. Still kinda rough on take off, but cruises much better on big hills.

Thanks FrankZ and everyone else for your help.

 

Glad it worked out for ya.