i just installed my o-rings that i got from golden eagle the copper wire is in the groove but it sits, .017- .018 above the sleeve is this ok? earl told me .007 is where it should be but how can i get it lower? i was gonna tap it with the rubber mallet to flaten it a bit because it will still compress when the head is tightened against it. but i want to be sure before i do anything is it ok to run the wire this high above the sleeve?

-18gauge copper wire(GE)
-hks mls head gasket

 

Sounds like the grooves were not cut deep enough.If the wire is to high it will hold the head up and it won't seal water.The head will leak water (externally).Simply flattening the wire will not help this.The grooves need to be the proper depth.
Glenn

 

i'll remove the wire and file the groove deeper, it doesn't make sense i dont see why i hand sand the wire evenly until its low enough im using copper wire not steel this should crush alot under pressure i don't see how it could hold the head up when the head is torqued down