Thief makes a good point, and I agree. Ceteris paribus the valve adjustments should have at least been close. If they sunk the valve seat, then it could have tightened up.

The result of running it this way would have been a cylinder with no pressure and lots of wear on the rocker, tip, and cam lobe.

Good thing you posted.

And this is why I ALWAYS turn my motors over with a wrench first!!!!