Thanks for the ideas.
I did NOT check the rods for straightness.
The valve guides are new.
I did adjust the lash both cold and after fully warm.
The lifter is not stuck (moves as smooth as glass).
Just looking at the valve, spring, etc., it looks just the the others (nothing obviously wrong).
The "8 minutes at a time" break-in was because I couldn't keep the engine cool.
Last edited by Joes41; 11/13/2013 4:31 PM.
