Autopsy complete. Results

O.K. moper, I understand what you are saying. In simple terms, it is possible that my pushrods are compressing the plunger in the lifter to much before I even start the engine. And now I know how to check it. The final installed height was supposed to be 1.640 and was actually 1.643. Close enough that I don't think that is causing the problem. I had the numbers writen down in my truck and I went and checked them.

mike, I had thought of using shim stock under each rocker, especially before the next attempt at break-in. Much easier than changing the valve springs out to lighter ones.