So what exactly are the symptoms of a bent valve ? Because my 83 ZXT has been running like **** for the past few weeks and i just got around to doing a compression test and i have 140 across the board except #5 that is at 110 but there is no fluctuation of the vacume gauge when i put it on there so i am confused and i dont want to pull the whole thing apart and that not be the problem i mean there is no smoke or water in the oil so ive kinda ruled out the headgasket but it never wants to run when its cold it has to warm up first before i can touch the gas or it boggs and pops threw the intake and it doesnt feel like it has half the power it did a few weeks ago ! So please any help is greatly apprieciated !

 

I had a bent valve on the #6 cylinder due to a sizeable exhaust gasket leak, which caused the valve to warp over time.

I experienced the same symptoms you described when cold. Try spraying some carb cleaner or the like near the area of your intake/exhaust gasket at each of the cylinders and watch for rpm discrepancies. This should help you find a vacuum or exhaust leak if it exists.

Also ensure your electrical conns at TPS, AFM, injectors, and sensors are clean and firm.