1.6 cvh head gasket change

[escort_cab]

I have recently bought a 1.6 cvh engine and before fitting it in my cabriolet i decided to see what condition the engine ''really'' is in.good job i did because head gasket was fooked and 1 of the head bolts was totally trashed.part of it had rotten away!!the pistons are pretty coked up,as is the underside of the head(valves) does anyone know what causes the big ''coke'' up?(ALOT MORE THAN EXPECTED)and will i be ok with just cleaning the head and block for the new gasket or will i have to get either of them skimmed? Thanks in advance

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[tabetha]

As it's apart I would get both head and block skimmed, the head will defo need it, block would be a good idea.
The big coke up is just from burning petrol, releases carbon, plus you may well have more from worm stem seals though this is normally wet looking but bloody hard crystal like gunge.
Of more concern is the bolt hole, so ask a decent machine shop about this first.
tabetha

[Lee Ivatt]

Originally Posted by escort_cab

I have recently bought a 1.6 cvh engine and before fitting it in my cabriolet i decided to see what condition the engine ''really'' is in.good job i did because head gasket was fooked and 1 of the head bolts was totally trashed.part of it had rotten away!!the pistons are pretty coked up,as is the underside of the head(valves)

does anyone know what causes the big ''coke'' up?(ALOT MORE THAN EXPECTED)and will i be ok with just cleaning the head and block for the new gasket or will i have to get either of them skimmed?

Thanks in advance

Generally the block is ok 9 times out of 10. give it a clean, and a sanding with some fine paper with a FLAT/LEVEL sanding block, then lay a straight steel rule on it.

Areas to check are usually if theres evidence of blowing between bores at the tops.

If you in doubt at least get it checked buy your engineer.

As for the head, a reface/skim id a definate must. And whilst your at it you may as well have it pressure tested.

I had my 16i head done last monday. I have other work like multi angle seats etc but just skim and test cost £56.

A lot of people panic about skimming, but its not as bad as they make out. At the least it lowers your compression ration very slightly, which can offer more power. What the issue is, is it cam affect the cam timing.
Usually its not a big deal. a 0.50mm skim is about the norm.
And if you find its running a bit rough then simply adjust the timing a little, or fit a veneer pulley. but again this is only if it a tuned engine really.

Valves are about £7-9 each x8 so buy a new set of them, and lap them in.

Some new valve stems about £1.50 each x 8

Springs should be ok normally

check your hydro lifters, if they are pretty gummed up, may be worth getting new ones, again not that expensive.

Set if head bolts and a decent gasket.

Ive just posted this with lots of pics in my Rs1600i restoration thread, so take a look, if you need any advise then ask me or pleanty of other people on here will be happy to offer advise.

http://passionford.com/forum/restorations-rebuilds-and-projects/282583-black-rs1600i-project-restoration.html

Heads are relativly easy to do, should take you no more than an hour to strip (remember to lay out all parts in order. i use cardboard with a grid marked on it).

Anyone with a socket and spanner should be ablt to do this. Only tool you will need is a spring compressor. you can get a basic stem seal compressor for £10. this does the same job.

[tabetha]

Actually skimming the head RAISES the CR, not lowers.
tabetha

[escort_cab]

Thanks lee .