Valuable information there- thanks!
Before the head came off it was running on a new gasket but with a crack between valves on pots 2,3 and 4. There was also that cap sitting under one of the exhaust lifters!
it ran very poorly , LOTS of smoke. So its possible these issues were the entire cause but seeing as there is evidence of timing issues I simply have to check that out before starting her up on the new head.
I happen to have a timing pin for the injector and lock for the bellhousing - is that all I need to check its in time? I know the belt was last done well under recommended change interval so If I find it to be in time I will leave it and presume the marks were made earlier in the engines lifetime.
Thanks again.

