2002 Txt, starting issues

[nsmithjr]

I have a 2002 txt, that is having issues starting. The guy I bought it from said the valves needed to be lashed, again. Has to do this 3-4 times a year. I took the cover off and found that one of the rocker arms won't adjust very well.
You can loosen the adjustment screw all the way out and it still wants to stay close to the camshaft. In talking to the previous owner, the first time he attempted to lash the values he didctje adjustment off the lobe of the camshaft.
Is it possible tuat I have a bent rocker arm. Or should I look in a different direction?
Thank you in advance.

[sccowboy]

If it won't gain any clearance then I believe you may have a verywworn valve and seat. The rocker is pretty substantial and I wouldn't think it would be susceptible to bending easily. It's sort of time consuming, but you may need to pull the head. See if you can try to sight across the valve ends and see if that one is higher than the others.

[nsmithjr]

I noticed that when the adjustment screw is out. I can gain the clearance needed of I push on the arm. And it doesn't move the value at all.I did get it to adjust to specs. Started right away. But slowly started to fail after that. Thank you ro your response.

[sccowboy]

As the valve wears, the face and seat lose surface area and the valve will sink into the head. This will cause the valve stem to rise higher into the rocker. Just something to think about.

[nsmithjr]

That does make sense, thank u, ill check it out,