head gasket question

[capta]

A very simple job has gone strange.
Pulled the head and changed out the thermostat housing w/o a problem. Cleaned the head and block mating surfaces very well. The guy helping us put Indian Head on the head gasket before I could stop him. Now a generator that ALWAYS started after just a few revs (even without bleeding the fuel system after working on it) won't start at all, even w/starting fluid. We have fuel to the injectors and the shut down solenoid is working correctly, so oil pressure isn't an issue.
I've NEVER used anything on a head gasket. Could this be the problem?

 

[LeslieTroyer]

i wouldn't think so. Do you have compression?? Valve lash correct??

 

[LeslieTroyer]

• Adjustment of compression release


(I) Set exhaust valve in totally closed position



(2) Remove decompression adjustment window cover from
cylinder head cover.

(3) Make valve clearance as "0" with use of decompression
adjust bolt. From this position, turn the bolt further by
1 to 1.5 turns. Decompression clearance will then be set
at 0.030 to 0.044 in. (0.75 to 1 125mm), which is the
designed clearance.

(4) After adjusting, be sure to lock adjust bolt securely so
that it will not unturn while engine is in service.

(5) Make certain that the clearance is not too wide. To
check this, turn crankshaft by hand and make certain
valve disk does not contact with piston top.

• Top clearance


Top clearance should be 0.0236 to 0.0314 in. (0.6 to 0.8 mm).
To adjust, use cylinder gasket shims, 0.0078 in. (0.20 mm) thick
each, onto the head side.
For checking the measurement, place a piece of fuse on the
piston top and fix the cylinder head securely on the cylinder·
head flange. The measurement is taken by the fuse. Tile liner is
level with the cylinder frame at top surface.

The gasket shims can be reused, so don't lose them

-- Valve Clearance

Intake valve opens 20° B TDC
Intake valve closes 45° A BDC
Exhaust valve opens 50° B BDC
Exhaust valve closes 15° A TDC
Valve clearance: 0.0057 to 0.0072 in. (0.145 to O. 185 mm) with
engine cold.

 

[kloudie1]

Yup.. valve setting is probably the culprit.

 

[capta]

Generator is running again, thankfully. Thanks for all the input and help.