@jmardy posted:Thanks @panteradoug. Definitely a new issue and just discovered yesterday.
My original problem was misdiagnosed. It's been a learning experience for me - I guess I know just enough to be dangerous.
I didn't realize (or think to check) that the pistons were proud of the deck.
It's obvious to me now...
I was asked at one point if they were domed or flat and I said "flat", because to me, a domed piston to me looks like this:
Here is #5 at TDC:
The dome is designed to fit into the combustion chamber so that isn't normally relevant.
You take the depth measurement where the flat of the piston is at the edge in relation to the top of the bore. That can be measured with a feeler gauge. Now the pistons normally rock in the bore so the best place to do that if you can would be at the center line of the piston directly above the pin.
If you can't there then you can average the front and the back.
MJ will probably tell you to use a depth gauge with a dial indicator but that isn't necessary unless you positively have to be within .001" because everything is that close.
Looking at that pic it looks like you have zero clearance. Did that block get decked?
Even if the piston is above the block, all isn't lost there though. Even IF you are at plus (above the block) you can space the head up with a thicker head gasket. As long as it's less the .010". Stock, the gasket is probably .035 which would give you enough clearance. That's even a Felpro which is an inexpensive gasket.
This wasn't a mistake by the builder. He just set it up differently and you missed it when you changed the heads and gaskets.
Here's the thing though. You need to plastic gauge the rod bearings because it's possible you pounded them with the pistons hitting the heads. It's best to know that now rather then throw a rod because of crunched bearings.
Do all of the pistons have that mark on the edge of the point of the dome? Are any of the spark plug electrodes pushed closed? If they are and the plugs weren't indexed, those marks could be from the plug electrodes...maybe.
I'd expect any kind of a dome to have a fire slot machined in it for the spark plug. Look at the first picture you posted. See the notch for the plug?
Relax. This will all work out. You are just learning via the school of hard knocks and you'll be smarter AND wiser. 