I replaced my head gaskets and didn't have the timing correct after I put it all back together. After correcting the timing the pickup would start only with the gas pedal on the floor and would die if you didn't keep giving it gas. I took the valve covers back off yesterday and noticed that 3 of the rockers were off. I then noticed that when I turned the engine by hand the rockers weren't in constant contact with the camshaft bearings. I think that is the correct terminology. What would cause this to happen?

 

Here is another picture. It is like this on all of the rollers on the passenger side of the engine. It is a 1999 5.4L V8 4x4.

 

any time i see bluing like that, oil or lack of is my first question.

 

More than likely you bent some valves. Mod motors dont tolerate valve timing mistakes.