Re:'Does anyone know if I should be able to move the valve slightly if the linkage is fully connected? I have now seen some postings stating to remove the gear before testing the motion.'
Yes you can. Well, not only move it slightly, but thru its full range of movement. You do not need to remove the gear before testing the motion.
Can you hurt it that way? Sure!! Put a 1/2-drive breaker bar on it and crank it to about 80ft/lbs.
A BTW...but never NEVER take off the gear (claw, whatever) from the activating shaft on the RH side without supporting that shaft. The nut is LHT, too. There is a flat on the shaft for the express purpose of placing a wrench there (for support).
If you don't do that, chances are excellent you will break the pin off at the bottom of the shaft. Subsequent complete and total destruction may occur thereafter.
Really!
THE ring? If you only saw one, it's very much time for a rebuild!! :whoa:
Scoring is never a good thing on a piston. Best to have absolutely none, but not uncommon to have some.
So...I guess it kind'a depends!!