Took a little time today to reassemble everything back to where it was when the head was reinstalled.
Started it up and it ran better but not great. Vacuum went up from 14-15 to 17, still too low, but now it will idle with no choke. It is still running rough.
Did the same vacuum leak tests as before: piece of hose up to the ear and checking for leak sounds, followed by the propane torch check, flooding the area with gas to be sucked into the leak.
original test found nothing. This time detected a SLIGHT indication with the propane at one of the head/manifold gaskets. Also found a small exhaust leak at one of the header ports.
Seriously doubting the sealing ability of the NOS gaskets that I put on. Ordered a set of new stock from FLAPS, will be here Tuesday morning. Ran it long enough to reach full heat and reset the valves because I had lifted the rocker shaft for the vacuum head check.
That showed up a possible red herring.
The new replacement temp gauge no longer goes to ) when the engine is at ambient (85) instead it is offset just about the distance to move the normal reading of 170 to 185. More reproduction junk to complicate things, or a real symptom??
