normal direction is counter clockwise looking at it from the front right? Maybe I need to check that again.. maybe I don't have the valves set correctly either. I am definitely getting suction from exhaust port be it on the compression stroke or exhaust stroke.. if I was turning the prop the wrong way, would I feel the suction with my finger? I know it has compression at least some because you can feel the resistance in the prop.. it just does not spin free like it did when the push rod was out of place.
also, which side of the engine is the intake and exhaust valve?