Got the head back a couple 3 weeks or so ago but got busy so it sat. I did put a coat of Chevy Blue on it so it's had a couple weeks to cure.
Sad to say but the 2nd machine shop found several problems with my supposed rebuilt head.
Two of the new exhaust valves were scared and burred too bad to reuse. The guides that were supposed to be new weren't and they were filthy which led to atleast 1 intake sticking if not more. The seats were new so they got recut and lapped. He used some spacers to get the new springs up to spec and vacuum tested each port for sealing. He also acid dipped the head again so it was very clean and paintless...
Bottom line:
2 new exhaust valves.
6 new intake valves (supplied by me)
12 new guides
12 new 2.15" springs (supplied by me)
Recut the seats
Relapped all valves/seats.
New valve stem oil seals.
Shaved 0.006" off of head to get it plumb/level.
So sticking valves and a possible leaking head gasket were my main problems (as indicated by the fluctuating vacuum gauge)
My bad for not checking the head over better when I got it from the 1st machine shop. A mistake I'll not make again.
I did bolt it back on and fired it up last Sat., in between other priorities and it fired right up and ran strong for the short time I ran it (no water hooked up). It needs the timing set and the carb(s) setup so we'll see. Its a good thing the 216 ain't ready for the pasture yet
Dave
