[Beaver]

Thanks for starting the new thread on this... Yes, I checked the compression because I had read about the EGR / burned exhaust valve on middle cylinder problem. The compression pressures were a little low, but even across the cyls. Your mention of a too-low idle speed rang a bell, though. It does idle lower than I'd like. It even has a little rattly-squeak when the engine is warmed up and at its lowest idle. I haven't looked to see if there is a mechanical way to pick up the idle a little, but I'm sure that would help, at least at idle speed. I will take it for a drive shortly and let you know if it is rough at speed.
But fortunately I don't think I'll need a new head (not on the car, at least). I'll get back on the computer when I return from Blockbuster and fill you in on the power-on situation.
Beaver