The only odd thing you said yet was that at tdc(cyl # 1 I assume), the cam lobes are away from lifters, and you said that if you then turn crank 1 revolution, that the exhaust valve is open. Well the exhaust AND intake should be open then BUT only a minimal amount. I'm thinking that if you cannot turn any pushrods easily after it sits a spell, that some components are mismatched. (pushrods, lifters, rockers etc.)