this!

Yeah I agree completely, that's what I told my friend. Leaving it up to him on where he wants the work done.

Before I assembled the engine, I never laid the head flat on a table for the said reason above. My friend didn't take anything apart before the shim broke either.

So trying to get some more useful info stuck in this lame thread of mine.... My theory on how it broke:

#1 reason: Machine work done incorrectly, the clearances were set too tight or completely neglected.
#2 reason: A mixture of cold temps, not enough lube causing it to leave small mineral deposits.
#3 reason: Don't turn an engine that's extremely hard to turnover. Something will more than likely break.

Just a theory, I don't have any solid evidence on that. Of course I wasn't present when it broke either, lol. Thanks for all the help guys.

Given my past experience with hitch's shady old ass I'd believe reason 1. But I'm biased. Good luck buddy.

Unfortunately it's your word against theres go somewhere reputable