figured i would give a quick update since i found this issue in case someone in the future is having similar issues. I did some more troubleshooting and decided it was time to pull the head. Ended up being a broken valve guide. I dont understand how a valve guide can snap like this but googled it and saw it has happened to other om617's... Maybe someone else can shed some light on what could have happened? Good news is valve seat itself looks in good condition, no nicks or scoring. same with pistons and cylinder walls. this was a $1200 car so not going to go crazy throwing money at it, I'm just going to drive out the old valve guide and install a new one along with a new valve, valve stem seals and do some lapping compound to mate the new valve to the seat. I know I could get a full head rebuild but just looking to get it back on the road at this point.