It's been a year now and I have not progressed on the engine rebuild - sorry to report. While no one has missed anything, my apologies for not checking in. Everyone was and is so incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. My non-progress excuses are two: one, I turned in the head to Mann's Speed Shop in Kansas City, MO to have it milled. It isn't done yet. I didn't badger them to death because they are the best in town. My little '83 200lm just doesn't rate as cool as all the muscle car stuff they usually work on. But I am adding this entry because I am now bugging them to get it milled. It isn't that big of a job, which is probably why they can't get around to it.
My second reason for no progress is my wife's terminal cancer. Cancer will sap the energy and focus out of life. I hope and pray none of you know what I am talking about. But I know reality is, too many of you guys know exactly what I am talking about. She is still active as she can be, and life is okay. Each day has enough worries of its own. Each day is a gift.
Getting the engine done would be a good thing for me. Working with my hands is good therapy.
I did buy a new damper. That's where things left off. I will start a new thread once I get the head back from Mann's - if y'all can still tolerate my noob questions. Thanks again for all the help.