Just bought a Fiesta RST with the headgasket gone. Its has had a reconned head put on it not so long ago and looks like a skim as it is still a nice machined finished underneath.

How can I check to see its flat? Do I use a straight edge and a feeler gauge?

Cheers
Dave

 

Straight edge and feeler gauges sounds like a plan, I'd take it to an engineering firm, but that's only because I wouldn't trust myself

 

Yes just use a straight edge, I find it useful to put head on a bech upside down with a light behind BUT BELOW the head surface as you will easily see the light ?
tabetha

 

You shouldnt really ever re-fit a head with out a skim anyway, just to make sure the headgasket seals up properly

 

I'm gonna get it checked properly on Monday but was just wondering what is involved as its a process of engine building which I've never done. The only problem if you skim a head every time you fit a new head gasket is the chamber depth will get less and less causing the compression ratio to alter but don't know how much difference that would make.

 

Obviously yes you are right......but if the headgasket has gone you can bet its got a warp and out of the two i'd rather fit a skimmed had than a warped one.

I'm sure the place you take it to will see if its warped for free

 

I agree. Not fun having to do the same job twice for the sake of having it checked. I'll see what they say on Monday. I've got to take the block out aswell to check the pistons etc as the car has been stood for a while. How's this for a bargain Fiesta RST reconned turbo, reconned head, complete wiring etc for Ł130. Bodywork needs some TLC but nothing major.

 

Ill give you Ł150 for it

Easy Ł20 profit

 

Gonna keep it, get it nice and sell the Cabbie me thinks.

 

Keep both, summer car, and winter car

 

Might do yet. Garage is getting built so I'll need something to put in there to play with.