Working out a head gasket failure

[Ruairidh Dunford]

I am sure you will have done this but it may be worth mentioning for others, whenever I fit a new head (particularly one that has been skimmed/ground quite a bit like yours), I sit it on the block without any gasket and lightly press down whilst turning the engine over on the handle.

This allows me to feel any lift, indicating a valve touching.

If the head does not move at all I know the clearance is good, that I can safely fit the head gasket and torque it down.