I was told yes but having a head that's supposedly "good to go" was motivation to check everything else for the fault

You guys helped a LOT and quite frankly there was nothing else left to do but RELUCTANTLY check the clearances. Everything my brain was telling me (and what you guys were telling me) was being ignored by my heart

It takes no work at all to put a gauge on and saves days of wasted time fooking about.
I cannot fathom why that is not the first operation O.P.'s who have access to a gauge go for when purchasing non starters.
It verifies or removes the main non starting problem in one fell swoop.

Never ever take what a seller is declaring as gospel UNLESS you know his reputation.....disappointment surely awaits ...lol. (Fully rebuilt engine.{using all the same worn out parts} is a prime example)

Im not talking to you ANY more you're always RIGHT

We cling onto every opportunity that might just be the cause, all the while, knowing full well (in the pit of the stomach) that its your worst suspicions. I shall consider myself bollocked out and will lick my wounds under the bench in the garage

Taking the good from this though - I bet it fires easily after you've done the valves

Actually it does take "work" on a 3tj mainly because of the access to the camcover and cams.

I swung the motor down, pivoting on the lower rear mounting bolt so there's a good deal of space.
If it DOESN'T fire easily it will immediately become a BOAT anchor

Evilchicken0 wrote:Taking the good from this though - I bet it fires easily after you've done the valves

Actually it does take "work" on a 3tj mainly because of the access to the camcover and cams.

The next to no work referred to fitting a comp. gauge ...it easier than replacing a spark plug if the kit has the flexi connector.