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Just got my 359 Aluminum head back from the shop and found that one of my valves touched the top of chamber. It was milled and straighted. I cannot find a thicker gasket, can I use two gaskets to be safe and keep the compression down?

How much thickness did you have milled off from the head? I would imagine some slight grinding to the chamber will allow the head of the valve to clear. (keeping in mind thermal expansion!!) I'd try that before I went with two gaskets. You're inviting all kinds of trouble by trying two gaskets, IMHO.

G'day all, You don't say whether you had a head gasket fitted when you determined that the valve was touching the head. If you didn't have a head gasket on you need to measure the interference with and without a head gasket fitted (loose not tensioned). You also need to grease-up the valve tops and determine which one is touching the head. I would not recommend two head gaskets. There are firms around which profile cut all manner of materials with water. If it fouls without a head gasket and does not foul with one you may need only a few thou to clear during operation. I would have a solid copper gasket made to a yet to be determined thickness dimension. It may cost you a few hundred dollars but it should last. My 54 Caribbean head was very eroded and warped but it was welded, milled etc and came up fine. Get a few more opinions before you decide on a plan of action. best regards Peter Toet

Thanks for the swift replies. The gasket was installed and the engine was not turned over or started. What could be some of the problems associated with installing two head gaskets? Is there any other solution to this delima?

Well, with two head gaskets, it's sure to blow. There's only two solutions I can see: #1, mill the head for valve clearance, and #2, get a new head. Pretty much the only choices I see other than getting a lower lift cam!

Depending on how much needs to be removed to get clearance.
If your valves are new or have never been ground, you may be able to have the seating surface of the valve ground enough to gain clearance. You would also need to grind the end of the stem to get the proper clearance for the hyd. lifter. This would be quick and easy way to gain clearance and can be done by any auto machine shop. Just a thought.
John

Found a great shop to custom make a gasket here in Los Angeles. Right now I'm trying to figure what thickness would be needed to do the job.

Please provide the name of the shop in L.A. To have a gasket made. I also need one . Bob

As will I, as I need one that will withstand the rigors of turbocharging.

Molina Gasket
23126 Mariposa
Torrance, Ca

3105391883