[Barry_R]

Isky sells a tool for valve pocket work in engine. Or wrap the whole thing in saran wrap and open up only the spot you're working on - like a surgeon does. They forged to pocket walls vertically and the valve is coming down at an angle - poor piston design that dates back to the 70's. Did not matter back then with smaller valves, matters a lot now.

Valves are probably bent - thats why they leak. Might be turnable - or replace. A valve job and trimming the piston brows and your done. Rods and pistons themselves are gonna be fine. Pushrods need to be checked too - might've got bent.