Spring/Keeper interference with Rocker

Ok, So , new fuel pump installed, knew that was a long shot, but still didn't seem right, so I replaced it.

Installed everything back up, ran it still ticking - the same. pulled valve cover ( and broke a plug wire while at it, pulled the damn end right out of it - ordering new wires - check)

Wen through each lifter (again) with valve fully closed. No bleed back, lifters are all still primed.

What is everyone's thoughts on a broken helper spring? hard to see in the coils of these things, but tempted to pull a cylinder at a time to check springs. It looks like there a rubber piece inside most of the springs or are they tall valve seals?.... I could just be seeing things at this point though....

Thoughts?