[DavidU]

Put my fully balanced F-54,flat top ported etc etc motor together
The last thing I did is put the distributor on,turned the crank
to TDC and it stops solid 3 degrees before TDC !!!!!!!
I could not work it out.Pulled the whole thing down and it
was the F&^%$ing head gasket metal ring being too small for the
piston !!!!!!! Was I pissed ! I am going to wrap it around
the parts guys neck.
Any way,always measure your gasket ID with your
piston (as the flat top is + .020 deck height).
It was suposed to be a good after market gasket.
Cheers DavidU (australia)

 

[bakachan]

it could have been wors.... you could have tried to fire her up
good catch. this is another reason to buy head gaskets from the dealer