Lister D - Starting Problems

I've just replaced the head gasket on my Lister D and it's home-made. When ever I crank it over, it has super compression but it just won't start. I did think it wasn't starting because the gasket was touching the bore, but I think some professional advice would be great.

Thanks a lot,
Alasdair

hello,
are you getting a spark when you short the plug against the engine.
are you getting fuel to the plug, is the plug getting wet.
are you using the correct grade plug.
is the timing set correctly.

if the answer to these questions is yes, it is possible that the magneto is losing the spark under compression.

hope this helps.
Richard...

I'll check the timing as it's misfiring sometimes too. Thanks for the help