Head back on

Slowly coming together...  Just need to torque it down and set the valve clearances.  Time to check the manual.

Is the block true?

I ran a straight rule over the block and head.  The head was surfaced last year, so it is not surprising to see that it is pretty flat. 

The block is not so flat (see the streak of light under the rule close to where the gasket blew).  

Hmmm.. not good!  Do I want to take the engine out to get it machined? Not really!

UPDATE: I measured the gap, it was under .002 of an inch, which is in the tolerance range, so I will just clean up the block and try again.  The chaps down at the head joint will clean up the head.  They kindly told me that I had put the gasket in upside down last time... Copper side UP is the correct way. 

They also suggested the spray hylomar gasket prep. on both sides of the gasket before fitting.  Also to countersink the stud holes. 

Head removed...gasket is gone.

Well, I took the head off, and the result was as predicted, a blown gasket between 2 and 3 cylinders.  Why?

And what should I do?  Research...

Noting some online advice about MG heads, I turned mine upside down and filled the ports with kero' to see if any of the valves leak...Still full 10 minutes later, so they are probably all OK.