So anyway here is what I did.
1) straightened the push rod in a vise
2) lots of wd40 and gum-out on the stem and guide
3) loosened the valve with a rubber mallet
4) barred the engine over about 100 revolutions with all plugs removed.
5) reset all lash to hot plus .003".
6) ran at low idle with lots more wd40 directed at the intake valve stems and guides.
Result is it sounds now like a well-oiled Singer.
