Great info guys,
The heads were pressure tested and checked out fine. I would suppose that this valve guide issue would show itself during that test. Nonetheless replacing the valve guides were already on the to do list.

The entire problem my be from previous half-assed head work.

Paul

Sutphen30,
Just for clarification, you mean the valve guide is "tapered" as opposed to "stepped". Not trying to be picky. Just trying to paint a brighter picture.
Thanks, Russ