Fixed and working again...

I used hylomar gasket spray, put the new gasket on the right way, then torqued the head.  I ran the engine until warm and let it cool down overnight.  I re-torqued it, adjusted the valves and she purrs like a kitten. Well, a 50 year old toothless lion.
Just for fun I used the crank handle to start her up.  I can strike that off the list of 100 things to do before I die.

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 removal

Took the head off to solve the oil leaking from the head gasket area. The Gasket was so old that it was "made in England". I wonder if they still make the gaskets there... It was flat and showed signs of leaking coolant and blowing between the cylinders. The advice from the people who will clean up the head was the engine is burning a bit of oil, and we should do a light service without going overboard (or do a total rebuild of the engine). I will take the advice!