First the head should have been retorqued after 500 miles. Another 
possibility is a stuck thermostat. An incorrect antifreeze mixture can 
cause overheating problems as well max 50/50, 30antifreeze/70 water is 
best. 
>Here it is British Car week and my 78 Midget is sitting under the cover
>screaming for some help.  I rebuilt the motor (.40 over, new pistons, 
cam,
>lifters, carb, etc)1100 miles ago.  Took care breaking it in. changing 
the oil
>every 250 miles.  Never exceeded 3500 rpms.  Coming home from work last 
week
>(80 deg). I noticed the temp gauge running between 12 and 2 o'clock.  
When I
>slowed down into traffic, the temp gauge went back to 12 o'clock.  The 
next
>day, I started it, went about 1/4 mile and puff, white steam galore.  
Shut it
>down immediately before any overheating occured . An obvious blown head
>gasket.  What would cause this ???  It wasnt overly overheated.  Could 
it be a
>cheap head gasket from VB ??? (part of the kit ).  What should I check 
for
>when I replace the head gasket ??  I was thinking the culprit may be 
the fan
>clutch !!.  Any way to check without the car running ???
>
>Any ideas would be appreciated !!
>Gotta get the back running by the 7th for SICP show !!!
> 
>
 
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