Head and new gasket

[Gino]

Hi, I had the head resurfaced by a builder. I don’t know what it should look like, But it is, well, scratched and maybe even a bit rough. Also the new copper head gasket covers a water jacket on the opposite side of the distributor, is this normal? This is where the head leaked after the rebuild. Thanks

[burner31]

Surface area should not be a mirror finish, Check and double check for correct gasket, what type of head are you running?
Pics of what you have may help get the answers you need.

[Cape Codder]

I agree with burner31.
Hopefully you will get the picture of the gasket from Brattons.

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COPPER MODEL A HEAD GASKET

[Cape Codder]

Sorry!

[Cape Codder]

Here is a picture of the Gasket from Brattons.

[old31]

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https://www.brattons.com/copper-mode...ad-gasket.html

I would highly recommend that for anyone else thinking of resurfacing a head that, that would be the perfect time to look into installing a HC head. You already have the head off, so why not. It is a lot of bolt on HP for a little money.

[Gino]

Hi, Is “ hc” short for high compression? Thanks

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by burner31

Surface area should not be a mirror finish, Check and double check for correct gasket, what type of head are you running?
Pics of what you have may help get the answers you need.

Originally Posted by Cape Codder

I agree with burner31.

Well this is a new one to me. Help me understand why you would not want a lower RA finish for the gasket surface?

[Gino]

Also I just realized I had posted a reply days ago but it did not fly. I can’t remember ##%$ so here’s what I have to say. After looking at the gasket the builder installed it seems to me that it was damaged before he installed it. I’m beginning to think this is the normal way of things in my life. I have installed the new gasket and I fired up the engine but the water pump I rebuilt is chattering so I have figure that out. I’m thinking maybe the shaft is too lone? Any help there would be appreciated. Thanks
Hi Joe, we are very happy here in SC I’ll call you today

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by Gino

Hi, Is “ hc” short for high compression? Thanks

Likely.


As far as the surface finish, -if your surface has scratches or grooves, then that is likely the result of poor craftsmanship and/or poor equipment doing the machine work. Some machinists make excuses for your abilities by saying you want grooves or scratches to grip the head gasket when it is clamped. I'm pretty sure the gasket company's advice counters that. If you need further confirmation on that, look at the RA surface finish that Ford used on other gasket surfaces where they used copper-clad gaskets (intake manifold, exhaust manifold, carburetor flange, water inlet flange, et/al) and you do not see grooves or scratches on those surfaces.

As far as the gasket leaking opposite of the distributer, have you checked the surface of the cylinder block deck? You will need a machinist straight edge and a set of feeler gages to check the surface. That surface must be no more than 2½-3 thousandth out of flatness across the entire length measured from all angles. Any straight edge that has not been surface ground will likely not provide you with the correct measurement.

[old31]

Originally Posted by Gino

Hi, Is “ hc” short for high compression? Thanks

Yes, HC=high compression

[katy]

Yes, HC=high compression

And here I thought it meant Holy Cow