CM 871 head gasket up date

[Signature620]

The circled section of the photo is not an issue. It’s an impression from the crimped part of the fire ring in the gasket. Very normal behaviour.

If the coolant leak is from the very corner where you put the arrow, you might find a bit of erosion where the factory gasket was. They often do it. I usually put a light coat of permatex aviation sealant on both sides of that small corner section and also the opposite corner at the back of the head where the oil drains. It will fill any tiny gaps created by erosion over the years without making a mess for the next guy to deal with.