My take away from Les’ comments here as it relates to your valve question is don’t tear anything apart or worry about specific valve issues yet and do a dynamic compression test first to confirm that there are mechanical issues that do deserve a physical intervention. I trust his advice on internal engine issues.

George

 

So, I did a leak down, no dynamic compression yet but everything checks fine again, I decided to remove the valve cover anyway to get some measurements since it's really not that hard, no play in the rocker or sping, pushrods are straight, every one of them were torqued to spec. I did notice what seemed to be an excessive amount of RTV spilling out the side of the lower intake, almost like the last guy made the whole gasket out of just RTV, which... interesting... I'll be ordering the upgraded LIM set this weekend and getting everything cleaned and re-sealed but I think I just found my issue. I can't hear or see any exhaust leaks at the headers but I'll be looking past the heat shields when I have the space to do so!

 

Interesting finding on the LIM gaskets. RTV is used on the ends bridging the gaskets but not the gasket surfaces themselves.

George