Yes, I verified that I was not getting contact between rocker arms and cover...although I was convinced by the sound I was!

Pulled the manifold off and I had oil in #8 port area...running the car with the valve cover off spewed plenty of oil in this area, and it found its way into the manifold. The headpipe+Spacer flange connection didnt look good either. I'm waiting an another RH manifold and will update with results next week once I can get the thing back together. Really appreciate the help thus far, and keep the opinions coming!