Got the roller starter running then a few more checks switching coils over, changing plugs. Compression test showed no pressure at all on one cylinder. Then i put my hand over the carb and there was no suction. An inlet valve is closed. Took off the cap and the adjuster nut was jammed into the cover and the threaded adjuster rod was undone. Putting in a new adjuster was not going to work as i now had about an inch of gap. Off comes the rocker cap and find a banana shaped pushrod.
Now i was going to replace the head next year but moving it forward now as i have a new head ready to fit and the pushrod tubes are leaking. Pushrod and gaskets needed at Popham.
Funny that the engine made no extra noise when i rode home with the pushrod jumping about in the tube