spitfire 1500 head gasket .

[JPB]

make sure that you run the engine for a couple of minutes without the coolant present.... etc.

If the HG you used is one of the new ones, then that's critical for it to seal. Under no circumstances must you use the gasket - with the red resin strands to it - in an engine where coolant is present on initial startup after fitting or the coolant will simply drift across the resin and prevent its setting. Could this be the problem here?
If it was an old Payen then by all means fill, retorque, run up, stand, retorque etc.
Also, are you 100% certain that the HG you used is the correct one for the head and block combination in your engine? There are several different types.

[outdoorjoe]

I didnt change the HG in the end as i took the manifold off there was a big chunk of inlet manifold gasket missing so that was the issue (hence running with choke but not without). At least i think so when it starts ill know if the problem is solved! The HG i did buy and didnt use was from moss europe and a sort of metal type.

One lesson i can pass on tho is if using non sealing sealant to stick the rocker cover gasket to the rocker cover use VERY little it goes f-ing everywhere and amazing how much squeezes ot the sides when you torque it down!

[JPB]

Ah right, I should have read the earlier post with both eyes open then!
That's a cheap fix if it needs nothing else at this time, good luck with the car.

[outdoorjoe]

well it was the manifold inlet gasket, this fixed and new accuspark ignition added runs like a dream! (anyone who hasnt fitted this accuspark kit yet do it, really easy to fir and makes alot of difference!)

still get a little moisture on the inside of the rocker cover cap so if this doesnt go away i may renew the HG at some point anyway we'll see!

thanks for all the help

[JPB]

If the coolant level doesn't drop and there's no sign of emulsion in the oil, then chances are it's nothing more than condensation and a good run out will take care of that. It's common in cold weather especially. Check the thermostat and if it's an 82 degree one, bin that and fit an 88 degree instead, that'll allow it to reach a more efficient running temperature and if it's running at the right temperature, there's less likelihood of the mayonnaise returning.