andy wrote:
Hi folks.
I am trying to replace the head gasket on an old marine gasoline
engine. (Palmer PW-27) The old gasket (which i made of unspecified
gasket material I had on hand) has blown out between the combustion
chamber and one of the head bolts after approximately 10 hours of use.

The engine is a one cylinder, 8ish HP, flat head-type, raw water cooled
engine, which I have been told has some internal parts made by
Wisconsin.

I have been unable to locate a factory gasket, and plan on making one.
Any suggestions for a suitable material would be helpful.

One thought I had was to try to incorporate a piece of flattened copper
wire around the perimeter of the combustion chamber with some gasket
material sealing up around the bolt holes and coolant passages. Any one
have any luck with this "hybrid" approach?

Thanks for any and all advice.
Andy Hall
Lynn, MA

Your choice of copper is the best "blow proof" material and Daves'
reminder to fully anneal it (each time you reuse it) is smart advice.
Depending on the final thickness you might want to try O-rings sized to
fit into clearance holes in the copper gasket. When you say raw
water-cooled does that mean fresh or salt water will be flowing thru it?
It so you should be aware of the possible galvanic action.