new Ajusa head gasket oil leak

[checkrail]

i have had a bad oil leak at the back of the exhaust side of the block where there is a shelf below no.10 head bolt, 've lost track of how many Payen copper gaskets I've used but the results are the same
After asking professional advice I was told to use Ajusa, but the problem is still there. Just ticking over after 5 mins the oil starts appearing on the shelf and blobs down the block.
The head has recently been skimmed and I made sure that both head and block were spotlessly cleaned before reassembly at the correct torque I am at a loss what to do now

Please can somebody offer any advice Thanks John

[types26/36]

I presume you are 100% sure the leak is not from the cam cover gasket, the “D”plugs or the oil filler cap?
Failing that make sure the head bolts are not “bottoming” giving a false torque reading.
There were some early cam covers of dubious quality that had some defects in the casting that could leak …….just something else to check.
Do you re-torque the head when stone cold and after it has run then again in after a few miles? (again stone cold)
I usually use the copper head gasket and coat it with Hylomar Red gasket compound and don’t have problems.....good luck.

[elanman999]

I am using an Ajusa head gasket without a problem. My only suggestion is have you had the top of the block skimmed? I have seen an engine where the timing chain case was nearly level with the top of the block. This stopped the head from seating correctly causing the head gasket to leak oil from the passage that runs up to the head.
Cheers
John.

[rgh0]

Also check that the rear head bolt on that side is not bottoming out in its hole or otherwise binding up to not give the correct bolt tension

Cheers
Rohan

[checkrail]

Thanks for the replies, I checked the bolts and was surprised how much they tightened before they clicked, no bottoming out
.the block has not been skimmed only the head

John

[seniorchristo]

I have a similar leak to the "shelf" on the intake side of my twincam. I am using a Cometic CFM head gasket.