Thanks for all the "action" on this thread, in my absence. To answer the latest question first. I do not know the definitive answer, but my two cents as an engineer familiar with manufacturing principles I would say that this "manufacturing flaw" may have been the result of a run of valve covers where the die cast machine was not optimally adjusted, but quality control passed the valve covers nevertheless because they were functionally fine. The way in which the machine could be off is that the temperature of the mold may have been at the lower limit of the range, causing the aluminum to solidify slightly too soon. This may have caused what looks like cracking in the surface that is in the closest proximity to the "cool" mold, while the main portion of the substrate is still liquid. Sort of like a lava effect, as the upper layer looks jagged. I would guess that lubrication of the mold and injection pressure are other variables that might be influence the final result. What I know for sure is that both smooth and jagged valve covers are correct for Pagodas. I have seen many of both varieties and a third that is even coarser in appearance.
Oz. Thanks for the great photo. (Maybe that's where I got my photo, but your resolution is much better). I would say you are right and this looks like a reproduction of the sticker I want to make. The part number is the same as the original (attached). However, I can't figure out why it would have that many differences and omissions. For instance, the word transmission doesn't line up well with the word distributor below it and in the line below that there appears to be a word that looks like it may have said butterfly (valve?). Also, the people that reproduced the sticker used 0.1mm valve lash compared with the 0.08mm in the original and the timing instructions on the original sticker say AfterTDC and not BTDC. Yet, both stickers use the same 108... part number. Obviously, I trust my worn original the most...
I'd love to get Joe Alexander's or Naj's input, especially for any recollection they might have about any tune-up instructions that might relate to the butterfly valve in the "vacuum is disconnected" line. (Keeping in mind that it all has to fit the language that is visible in the attached photos :-)...
