the car had been sitting 4 awhile when i bought it, i drained the tank, changed fluid and filters in everything, supertuned it but the idea of a gunked up engine did enter my mind, maybe carbon build up too, still going to remove the head.

Try a leak-down test on one cyl and listen w/hose in the other cyl.
A leaking head gasket between cylinders should be detected in the adjacent cyl. w/o removing the head...........
This test will also check individual valves and rings for leakage.

2 exhaust valves warped, #1-#2 repaired 1 today, checked for leakage with kerosene still holding after couple hrs., going to grind all valves and clean while i got it off....................

glad you figured it out. hope it all comes out well.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.