Hi
Can some give me some insight

I replaced my cams installed andrews e-z adust pushrods.
I turned the motor over before the front cyl lifters bled down.At first it back fired I shut it right down. re adjusted the push rods
then did a compression check (BY FINGER), at first no compression in the front cyl.
I waited 15 minutes and checked compression again. this time had full compression. I buttened it up and now it starts and runs fine.
i don't think i bent a valve because it runs good. Can anyone out there tell my why i did not have compression the first time? I made sure i started it many times. Can ride it yet due to the snow.
Did i get lucky and the intake lifter was just holding the intake open at first?

dont look the gift horse in the mouth... if it runs, ride it!!

I think you were right and got lucky that the lifter had not bled down and the intake was slightly open to back fire thru the carb. Well I guess these days it is fuel injection. I take the plugs out and walk it around first after adjusting pushrods. Well except for my shovel - solids.