Cylinder head skimmed or not?

[Des N]

Removed the first cylinder head this weekend. I think either it's not been off before or hasn't been off for a very long time. Half the water passages were blocked at the gasket which also seemed to be not a perfect match for some of thepassages (is that a sign of an original or early gasket?). Not surprising then that it ran a little hot sometimes!

How do you tell if it's been skimmed? I'm having both heads lightly skimmed and fitting extra thick gaskets. Should I get the inlet manifold skimmed to make sure the bolt holes still align?

Many thanks

Des

[NickA]

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The head gasket does block some of the waterways; I've often wondered why but it must have beendesigned that way.

[StagnJag]

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NickA wrote:

The head gasket does block some of the waterways; I've often wondered why but it must have beendesigned that way.

I have a hunch that it was done as a cheap way of adjusting the water flow around the engine without altering the castings.

Can anyone confirm this?

Dave

[martin]

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Des N wrote:

How do you tell if it's been skimmed? I'm having both heads lightly skimmed and fitting extra thick gaskets. Should I get the inlet manifold skimmed to make sure the bolt holes still align?
Many thanks
Des

Hiya Des, if you skim the inlet manifold, it's more likely that it will sit too low, a light head skim and thick gaskets ought to keep the heights about right, if things don't line up, you can - very slightly - open up the bolt holes, that's what some of the pros do. Martin.

[Arbman Al]

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I picked up a rebored block from Favershams a little while ago, and they gave me some 'special' inlet manifold gaskets that have been made to make sure the holes line up after being skimmed.
Would be worth a call to them.

Rgds....Al

[Stag Andy]

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Hi i would also suggest drilling the mounting holes (all 12) using a 3/8th drill. Also check the manifold mating faces are flat.