thanx guys ! i checked the jug and head for a straight edge they both look good. i used hondabond on the intake and base gaskets. i will procure the copperspray .upon recent investigation i found that almost all of the head studs have been severely over torque by the previous owner. 3 had been retapped larger when i picked it up and are holding fine. 3 of them well. . . . not so fine. my jug and all the work i have done to it may be what the younger kids call "bricked" meaning useless.if so i swear i will weld them together in place of a gasket as a last resort. First i will attempt to tap out the remaining 3 and hope for the best. I do have one spare jug needing a bore. . . . . .