Cylinder head gasket not lining up properly

[John Platt]

Hi everyone.
I am trying to fit a reconditioned Cylinder Head onto my 1970 S2 2000SC, finding I appear to have a poorly fitting head gasket from Wins, please see photos below. I haven’t got the slave stud the WSM refers too, that fits into no. 10 bolt hole, but I am surprised by how much out of line it is when fitted onto the 2 pegs around the chain gear area. Putting a bolt into no. 10 bolt hole, I am getting a pretty big ‘buckle’ in the gasket (see photo), which is worrying me if I push on bolting the head down. Noting the bolt holes around the chain gear are lining up with the gasket perfectly.

It’s a composite type gasket as mine is an early S2, noting the old gasket was also composite type.

Should I a push on and bolt up, hoping it seals, or should I be going back to Wins for a replacement?

 

[harveyp6]

The first pictures make it look like the gasket is way out, I'd be looking for another one, possibly from another supplier, as the original supplier's gaskets are probably all the same. I've used Gaskets for Classics without problems.
When you do refit the head, coat the "O" ring with original Hylomar gel, that will hold it in place and stop it leaking.

 

[John Platt]

Thanks for comment Harvey, hopefully I can order just the head gasket only. If you remember it was me that contacted you about a good machine shop, after another disaster with crushed valve guides, whereby the oil seal wouldn’t fit. I am hopeful this machineshop has done a much better job! He’s fitted bronze K-liners, machining the top bulbous portion down to accept new style push on lipseal type stem seals, as used on modern engines. Also his machining is so precise & to a mirror finish, that he doesn’t need to lap in the valves to gain a full vacuum seal. He has a very good modern set up with all the kit, this main business is machine work for modern engines.

 

[John Platt]

Heres the skimmed head, c/w aluminium welding of water galleries on 3 ports, which are barely visible

 

[harveyp6]

I certainly do remember you. I hope it all goes well from now onwards. Head Gaskets can be bought as a single item.