timing is in the ballpark (I would go to ~42 or so since you ain't on the can). intake gasketing with no end seals sounds OK (& it did hold (psi). As said the corner ex studs holes (only) are wet & reportedly some head bolt holes are. I'm thinking the geyser is from a head gasket if the stat is open & I'm thinking it likely was (did you say the coolant was flowing early on?). 180 temp is fine but I'd think a combustion leak would kick that up higher than that (boiling at least) or maybe the combustion leak is just kicking it out but I'm missing something. Just thinking out loud till my coffee is ready. keep us updated