Triumph Repair: Coolant in #4 Cylinder, water passages, haynes manual

Question
Jim,

I have a 1979 Spitfire that recently had a stuck #3 exhaust Valve. Removed the head and took it to a machine shop to be checked out...all good. Re-installed the head, water pump, rockers, manifold, etc using all new gaskets. Once put back together I had the valves adjusted. However, now I'm getting coolant into the cylinders. It is not leaking into the oilpan...oil is clear..not milky. I have  removed the radiator cap and started the engine and did not get any coolant blow out of the cap. I used the recommended torque on the head(46 ft lbs)per the Haynes Manual. I have gone through this twice now.  Is there a incorrect way of putting on the head gasket?  I put the tab end back toward the firewall.  

Answer
Scott,

All I can think of is that the gasket might have a bad spot around one of the water passages.  

Is the water getting into all 4 cylinders?  Or just either #1 or #4?

You're correct, the 1500 head gasket goes in with the tab at the back end, and it's impossible to fit it "flipped over", none of the holes would line up then.

Unfornately it sounds like you need to pull the head again to find out what's going on.


Cheers,

Jim