When I get it back together again I'll let you know if that smooths out the engine and it runs freely. I am still leery of possible side friction on the rockers. Hoping to have a better reading on the vacuum gauge.

I've hand worked two of the rocker pads with 400 wet/dry paper and oil,keeping the curve on the pad. That eliminates the ridges easily enough leaving only a little residual flat area. How does that sound to you. Thanks for your help.

Well now I have the rocker assembly on the bench. And your right all of the pads have flat wear areas and looking closely there are also small ridges on the inner edges of the flat areas as well. I'm thinking that could account for valves not closing completely or rapidly enough. What do you...

The valves seem to be sticking or slow closing. When setting tappet clearance I had several stay open partially. Then when I tapped on the adjuster it snapped shut. So I thought maybe there was too much friction where the rockers contacted the spacer washers and the pedestals and I polished...

It was 7 and 5(?). Pushrods are still straight. When I had the head off the engine turned over easily and looking down the lifter bores the lifter slides looked free and moved smoothly visually. I dribbled more Lucas assembly lube on the pushrods when I put the head back on. When I take the...

Thank you for that idea! Will check it out.

This is fine to post by me.

something is hanging up. newly rebuilt engine. vacuum gauge reading ~5 instead of ~18psi. Pulled the head and dismantled valves, polished valve stems and they spin nicely in the guides. Rocker arms spin smoothly on new bushings but occasionlly catch and don't close. The cylinder head has been...