Is it neccesary to get a head skimmed as a matter of course with a replacement headgasket? (standard engine and gasket)

 

NO but do go and have it checked for what it cost and also crack and pressure test it while it's off and then check the valve stems etc

 

cheers Alvyn, yeah, i don't have a problem checking the flatness etc, i'm more unsure about the surface finish really, due to the slight corrosion etc that you inevitably get on the face round the waterways.. two issues really - pressure sealing round the firerings and fluid sealing round the water/oilways..
It would be a right pi$$er if it leaks fluid after it goes back together, for the sake of not getting the face skimmed, but at the same time i don't want to take material thickness off unneccesarily if it's not needed...

it will come completely apart whilst it's off to check valves, guides etc and replace stem seals.

 

 

Depends on how the gasket went Rich.

when my gasket blew, it melted part of the head which needed sorting,i.e a skim.

You don't want to be skimming the head if not needed.

Deffo get it checked over though.



Dave.

 

dont be a tight arse just do it MR MINTED !

 

dave, i can't see any evidence it has actually 'blown' as such, the firerings are all clean and intact, as is the head around the ring area, just the fibre material has gone very brittle, and broken up near a couple of waterways..
It was pressurising the coolant and lifting the cap after 4 laps of Castle Combe in the summer, hence why i've taken it off to look.. I've been using it on the road since, with absolutely no problems until november when i put it away for the winter... I'm supposing it was showing the signs of going under heavy use, and I've got it off before it really gives up bigtime..