Frozen hydraulic lifters
 

ok, so I had my head rebuilt. the guy, however did not properly clearence the new valves, the stems are relatively too tall for the rockers, shims and lifters. Also the lifters seem to be locking up, they give no "play" to the system.

Should my next step be lifters, or are they functioning properly in this seemingly frozen MO?

I have a second car now, but I may find it difficult to get the guy to work on the car, though I did pay him for his work... What to do?

Also, the leak down test shows about 30%. BUT when I loosen the four bolts for the rockers the leak down is non existant... leads me to the non closing vavles.

He screwed something up for sure. Make it his problem. He needs to react like a professional, and if not, you act like a PO'd consumer, and start with the local authorities.

when they cut the seats they need to cut off an equal amount on the top of the valves. this will maintain necessary clearances.

tom w

The second part is what did not happen, I am pretty sure he only cleaned the head, the seats were in good shape, the head had been redone before.

I am dropping it off with a trusted friend, after that if it is not right the car will go to the guy that rebuilt the head.

If you take it to the 'trusted friend' and he can't fix it, and then return to the first place; they will tell you the 'trusted friend' screwed it up. Take your car to the shop where you paid them to repair it, and tell them to fix it.
Mark

OTOH they may not be skilled enough to actually do it right.

before getting them to repair it i would have a long talk with them.

this is a basic step in valve grinding work that they should have known to do. it makes me wonder if they know what is going on.

tom w