Just re-building the crossflow and I've noticed that the head gasket covers three water channels - which look like they connect flow from block to head??????

Thought I'd got the wrong gasket,but apparently not. Looking at pics on Burtons site, the std crossflow gasket is like I've described, with only those for serious big bore machining having the extra holes. Anyone know what's going on hereImage deleted by owner

heres the other - standard type. The holes referred to are on the straight edge, being the inner ones x3Image deleted by owner

Don't worry. The gasket holes along with the thermostat, controls the flow of water through the engine. Different makes use different combinations of holes but the results are the same, they work. So long as it's a known brand you'll be OK.

Most, if not all, head gasket waterway holes are either much smaller than the holes in the block/head, or as in your case cover totaly some of the holes. In the design stage all the waterways are made too big, and then the engine temperature is controlled by making the gasket control the amount of water that passes through. Which is why you should never open up the holes in the gaskets, or make new ones where none exist. HTH Ray

Thanks gents

Another mystery solved

Phil