Solid copper head gaskets

[Chris KC]

Hi All,
This is not a problem just for solid copper gaskets,
It is all down to corrosion of the block and head regardless  of them being cast iron or alloy
One way to correct is drill water jacket holes untill out to (CLEAN) material then plug with ether cast iron or alloy and weld in place Redrill holes to correct size then surface grind .
some will say this will be expensive but in the scheme of things not really you only have to look at the number of water leak problems that turn up on this site 

Thats just my way of doing it
Regards Colin NZ

I took a similar approach on the HC head which is currently on my Ulster, but the holes were bored on a milling machine i.e. with a positive seat, & rings (I seem to recall they were cast iron, salvaged from old valve guides) were pressed in with an interference fit and a bit of Loctite for luck. This obviates the need to weld anything. But yes, the head will then bend like a banana & needs a skim to true everything up.