[olddog]

I have read that on highly forced induction engines, they groove a circle, I think on the block deck, but I doubt it would matter if it went on the head, just outside the bore. Then they lay a wire in the circle. The head gasket then partially crushes the wire, but end up with a higher pressure point, making a better seal.

I'm sure there is a detail in material, and thickness of the wire, and the shape of the groove. I have had some experience with gear pumps where the aluminum gaskets on the end plates crush and that affects the side clearance on the gear set. In fact, I wanted to change this design to a wire in a grove, but the bean counters wouldn't spend the money to save a known cost. No risk in staying with the status quot. They could predict the cost. But I digressed....

I'm curious why some type of crush material, such as the groove and wire is not put on top of the sleeves, in a sleeved engine. It allows some forgiveness. I may be somewhat remembering a diesel tractor designed this way, but I cannot trust my memory.

Anyway it was a thought.