Gasket won't fit spigoted head?

Hi everyone, in process of rebuilding my 1965 G15-CS top end, from the condition in which I purchased it.

Just got head and barrel back from machinist, and on test fitting, I found the copper gasket I'd purchased (PN 24255) wouldn't fit around the barrel spigots. Looks like it should but just barely won't. Neither will a genuine Andover Norton I purchased thinking this one must be out of spec. I have not annealed either one of them but from my understanding that wouldn't create additional clearance...?

Is there some variance in spigot diameter with regard to the hybrids, model years, etc? Searched and found nothing. I don't have the old head gasket. It was glued in tightly and deformed on removal (cut my finger pretty badly, actually...won't make that mistake again) and I threw it in the trash after I managed to peel the mangled remains off.

Any lore/advice/history/solutions appreciated.

Is that one not correct ?

That's what I have and it doesn't quite fit.

Not sure if this will work for you, but I have experienced similar issues in the past. I have a 1962 650SS with spigoted barrels. I have replaced the head gasket several times due to oiling issues to the rockers. I have purchased copper head gaskets from both Norvil and Andover Norton. Both required significant work with a file to make them fit. However, once modified they worked fine. Interestingly I noted that the stampings were clearly not parallel as the gaskets fit quite differently when flipped over. I just choose which side was the closest fit and got to work with a file.

Make sure the rear oil drain hole is clear!

I have had good results annealing the gasket and then applying permatex copper spray-a-gasket prior to installation.

Cheers,

James

James, thanks and good to know I'm not alone or crazy...copper spray gasket with slight hylomar smear around the tunnels and passages on the barrel/head was my plan.

I'm debating filing vs taking to a friendly machine shop who might not charge much to skim it perfectly into shape. Mine have the same angled inner edges you describe...

That said I could also order one from JS as a slightly thinner gasket would fit the .028 gap I'm gauging. Thinking the .32 would be perfect...maybe his would fit better too?

Sorry, I should have mentioned, I do the same with Hylomar, (great stuff).

I have never bought a head gasket from Jim Schmidt. But I have bought a number of other components from him including: pistons, rings and rods. Everything I have bought from him has been excellent. A head gasket from him may indeed be worth a try.

James

Well my first line of effort will be going to the engine builder who did the machine work on the head and barrels; I think matching these gaskets to the spigots and planing them to .032 or so will be a quick favor he might grant me. And if he can do both, then I'll have a spare...which I will store with a note for any future owner (my daughter)