I have a block and head, both from 1956 and this is how the block is cast. No coolant nor oil holes on the lifter side between 1 and 2 and 5 and 6. This is the second time I've had the engine apart and I've seen this both times. Once I used a fiber gasket and once I used a copper sandwich gasket. In fact, the cast iron has pitted at these points and I've considered building the areas up with silver bearing solder before putting it back in service the third time. I don't believe epoxy would hold given the hot water and all. But it is not an abnormality if you have a block/head 1956 or possibly newer. The one from 1959 (also has a head from 1959) is what I'm putting into service right now and honestly I didn't notice if it had the same scheme when I assembled it. But there are no worries...the 1956 engine has worked fine for me since the mid 70s.
Jon
