Everything seems to be getting oil up top but I still have a noticeably loud tapping coming from one of the valves over the #1 cylinder. It just so happens that the exhaust pushrod is slightly bent (wobbles a bit when I spin it) would this cause the excessive tapping noise im hearing.

 

if its bent you will have valve noise.you should get another pushrod.

 

thanks, I will have to replace it and see if the noise goes away. Are these something you have to buy as a set?

 

Not necessarily but you might as well.