[jaykay]

I would recommend using a vacum bleeder on your cooling system after you have the res in. The cooling system does have many long runs and nooks and crannies. This would ensure that there are no trapped air pockets which would likely give over heating problems if they are present. I can't comment on the effectiveness of the manual bleeding procedure.

In Canada there is company called uview which makes vacum bleed equipment which should include adapters to properly connect to the coolant fill opening.

I am not able to comment on the symptoms of a cracked head but my guess is that a compression check would only get major flaws. You may want to check this a while down the road as well should an expert deem that this is warranted.

I would post again with this concern as there are many service experts on this site that have a great deal of experience.

Best of luck to you and I hope this helps.