Um yea...
New rings fixed it. Still a little tough to start after sitting overnight below freezing but no more push starting it. I was blown away at the accumulation of carbon in the ring lands. This engine has never been babied, and I guess the 20k oil change is only a myth.
Valve leak was a bad lifter (see 20k oil change). It wouldn't bleed down properly and held the valve slightly open after idling for a minute or so. Now all you guys can holler and moan about a bent valve. It's not, don't worry.
And the glow plugs still work wonderfully, Toby. Thanks.
Headed to Montana in 3 weeks. Here's to hoping I don't hit another deer along the way.
Toodles
Chris