2001TEGGSR

You still didn't get a leakdown test, did you? Until you do, no way to tell for sure. But your compression sounds good, so I would go with valve stem seals. Might just have one that was either defective, or never "snapped" correctly after the head was rebuilt.

95LSv

damn, the valve stem seal would suck to have to change, that would require me to tear the motor apart again ... I'll have the leakdown done and then I'll go from there, maybe while I have it apart I'll do internals on the block this time

2001TEGGSR

You can replace the stem seals without removing the cylinder head. Just use an air fitting and pressurize the respective cylinder. An Air fitting probably came with your compression tester.

95LSv

Yes I have an air fitting... So I would have to pressurize the cylinder so when the valve springs are removed the valve will not fall in, correct? That sounds doable, but wouldn't I need something more like a leakdown tester, that allows you to regulate how much psi is put into the cylinder?

2001TEGGSR

No you only need to apply enough pressure to keep the valves from falling. No leakdown tester needed. Theres other methods, like stuffing a rope in there, but I recomend pressurizing if possible.