Valve train noise

[dean B]

I just replaced my head gasket and had the heads redone on my 97 Monte.when I went to start the engine for the first time it just cranked,No start,The engine sound like it wasnt getting any compression.So I backed off the rocker arm bolt and the engine started up, but had alot of valve train noise.The rocker arms keep getting loose.
Can anyone tell me why my rocker arms keep getting loose when i back off the bolt.When I Tighten down the rocker arm bolt all the way then the valves stay open and my engine wont start.My buddy at work told me that he thinks the machine shop didnt cut the valve stem down when they grind the seat.This for a 3.1L engine and as I understand it the valves are none adjustable.Any help would be thankful :P

[bszopi]

Did you put the pushrods back in in the correct order and location?

[dean B]

Yes the exhaust pushrods are longer than the intake, so as I remove each pushrod I marked them and installed them in order in a card board box.That was the first thing I checked when the engine didnt start. but thanks for the reply

[v6h.o.]

your lifers are bone dry.

keep cranking the hell out of the engine. this same thing has happened to me before.

it sounds exactly like you have NO compression right? then yes its the lifters being completly empty of oil and the valve train just needs to get some oil into it. trust me.

might take a minute or two but just crank it over till it fires (take time inbetween cranking every 30 seconds so not to kill the starter)