OK. thank you all. the engine runs about as you described, Matt. Uneven at idle, slip the clutch a lot to get it going, real rough on startup....but it does start eventually, and then after a while the other cylinders kick in.

The lash settings were checked the day before the compression test. The test was done two times...actually three, once with putting oil in the cylinders. The engine was warm.

I will check the cam lobes. When the head is off I can do an accurate comparison of the lobes using lifters and a pushrod.

I will do the leakdown and I will also look for scored cylinder walls, to be sure I don't miss any broken or worn out rings.

Yikes. I'm crossing my fingers it is just the valves.