Honda Bad leak down test after HG, timing and water pump

I have the engine out of car(D16y7) I’m doing a swap because the existing engine was knocking. Bought a used engine on FB from a guy and did a leak down test on it. Everything was fine until I replaced the head gasket, water pump and timing belt. I follow all the steps I have it all set to TDC On the crank and the camshaft. Belt is on tensioner pulley is on but not tightened. I rotate the engine counterclockwise 3 teeth on the cam gear with my hand on the top of the cam gear and belt. Tension is good so I tighten the tensioner in place and rotate the engine counter clockwise until it’s back at TDC(crank and cam). I do a leak down test and cylinder 1 is less that 10% leakage but the rear of the cylinders are 20% leakage or more at the top of their compression stroke.

Could I have damaged something while cleaning the cylinder head off from gunk? I was extra careful and worked on a layer of cardboard. I’m noticing the leak from the exhaust side of the engine so it’s the exhaust valves. I assumed timing was off but I checked timing countless times and tension.

Any ideas??

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