Rookie question: I am dismantling a '71 455 I bought as a core. It has '70 non-stage 1 heads. According to the story the seller told the engine was removed from a car in 2001 and stored since indoors on a pallet. When I removed the intake I found a severely bent push rod. I had to straighten it before I could remove it. The bottom end components rotate freely, the oil was not foamy or milky so I assumed it was uncontaminated. The lifters came out of their bores nice and smoothly, again the oil looked like it was doing its job. Now to my question: Last night I started to dismantle the heads. I started with the valves springs using a valve spring compressor. The smaller (exhaust) valves came out smoothly, the larger (intake) valves were in tight! One had to be gently tapped out, the others needed a hammer to tap them out. Force wasn't excessive.. but more than I would have expected. Is this normal for an engine that has been stored for 3 years or does it indicate a problem? Thanks, Steve
