Hey guys kind of a noob already read rules about posting and already did use the search feature and google to look for some help to fix my problem with no luck. Hope im posting to right place

To keep it simple, i have a 1982 280zx l28e.
i got the car started for the first time in 4-5 years after it sat in the back of my dads mechanic shop for years. After starting it the motor had alot of noise. after opening the valve cover and seeing 3 lash pads out and putting them back in and replacing valve hoses car ran pretty good. Went to start up car next day and it became obvious the lash pads came out again.

what I have already done to the car is an oil change and use an engine oil cleaner. Dont remember the brand and then after that i put in 3 qts lucas and 2 regular qts of oil. i did all this right after getting it started.

So after starting the car again the next day and after hearing the bad knocking sound again i opened the valve cover and saw 2 of the lash pads came out and one was chipped/broken. so the mechanic who is helping me fix this car told me the valves are sticking which is causing the lash pads to fall out. So what is the best way i can fix this without spending to much money? he reccomends just sending it the machine shop but i don't have that money right now.

My instincts tell me to replace all 12 lash pads and do a valve adjustment and somehow clean more of that gunk out and the engine should be good. your thoughts and suggestions?

 

Welcome to ZDriver!

Did you check the valve clearance? Spec are in the FSM. That's the usual culprit... that or the retaining springs aren't properly seated / secured.

 

I had a sticky lifter a short while ago in a KA24E, and adding a litre of Lucas Oil Stabilizer cleared it up almost immediately. While I am not a snake oil salesman, I was surprised how well it worked!