I remember this thread. I copied your valve cover paint job. Couldn't scratch of the logo though.

I would say take a step back. Look at it as a new motor to you and diagnose.

I just did my head. Had a moment of panic. But then I stepped back and diagnosed it. I had a crack delivery valve. To find this i loosened the injector lines with it running. When I loosened #1 it didn't run any worse. I swapped the injectors and rechecked. Still #1. So I removed the line and watched the fuel coming out. Looked fine. I sprayed some diesel on and watched it suck it around the delivery valve holder. Problem found.

Did you check to make sure you had the right head gasket? Laying it on and matching up all the holes?

It has to be something simple. If they did a bad job on the machine work it won't last, but it should work.

White smoke is water. Usually. Like they said. Compression and leak down.

If I have a problem for more than a few days I ask for help. Sometimes it's worth it to have someone take a look. I'm a good mechanic, but these motors are complex.