Howdy folks, THis will be one of those maddening first posts that knowledged folks will point and laugh at. Please bear with me.
I purchased a 1984 New Yorker in Excellent condition last spring. After a few road trips and errands she just turned over 45K miles. I have had sparatic issues with the temp guage ticking up then dropping and have long suspected the usual head gasket issue.
I lifted the head, manifolds and turbo off as a single unit and was very pleased to see everything sparkling clean, no carbon, no oil residue, etc etc. Only flaw was exhaust tracing from the number one cylinder to the closest coolant passage confirming gasket blowby.
Head was sent into the shop to be double checked for warpage, there was none. New gasket, stretch bolts, belts, timing belt, hoses, oil and coolant... and no start. Timing covers stripped off and timing confirmed as correct. Plugs, leads, cap and rotor replaced 5K miles ago. Fuel rail harness cleaned and double checked. Distributor pickup removed, both plugs cleaned and double checked. Firing order of plugs verifed with cap.
I am missing something REALLY obvious and stupid. Any hints guys? I am missing driving her!
Apologies, I should have added that I am a certified mechanic for leaky British heaps so am not your standard weekend mechanic. I have been working on Chryslers and Imperials as well for 30+ years. I've just never had to work on a four cylinder Mopar and am completely out of my V8 realm of experience.