[Healeys] OFF WITH HER HEAD!!!

[WILLIAM B LAWRENCE]

Dave,

Thanks for your response. The head has been checked and is in good condition 
although I'm replacing valves and guides.

I see what you mean about the scallop for the combustion chamber, but the 
overhang I was talking about is between the siamesed cylinders. I measured a 
spare head I have and the distance between the combustion chambers is 
approximately .284" to .290" I also measured two gaskets in the same area 
and they were between .305" and .320". That leaves about .020" or .030" 
hanging out. I suppose some gaskets are better than others depending on 
manufacturer, batch etc. I would just like to know if there is a better 
design.

>From the comments I've gotten it looks like I'll be ponying up to Dennis 
Welch for a steel gasket, although I would like to know more about the solid 
copper version. Even though I will certainly end up with a more durable 
gasket either way I would still like to know that there isn't any excess 
metal hanging out in the combustion chamber to glow and cause preignition. 
My car has a problem with after running and that might be a cause. The solid 
copper may be able to be modified to avoid that.

Thanks again.

Bill Lawrence