wighti Posted October 11, 2003 Share Posted October 11, 2003 I have it all apart and I've cleaned the heads and block surfaces. But, there are tiny pits in both block&head gasket surfaces w/ black specs in them. They look like tiny flowers or 4point stars, like the ones on the gaskets. Is it OK to leave tem there and put in the new gaskets? Please help! I need advice on this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
electryc_monk Posted October 12, 2003 Share Posted October 12, 2003 I think that suggesting the use of some smooth grit sandpaper ......(trying to remember the scaling of numbrs) maybe a 400+ grit paper for smoothing the surface and cleaning it would be wise. just be careful if you think of using something like steelewool on cleaning them surfaces.... keep the steel flakes from getting into the different jugs or journals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wighti Posted October 12, 2003 Author Share Posted October 12, 2003 Well, I've already used 600 grit wet. The pits are still there. I think the only way of removing them would to be get it resurfaced. What I needto know is if these pits need to be completely gone. Has anyone had this on their heads & block before? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmmmnz Posted October 13, 2003 Share Posted October 13, 2003 i had the same sort of thing happen( not on a soob though) i just put on a small layer of gasket gunk. then the gaskets.. although if they are really small i wouldnt even bother with the gunk. the head should clamp down hard enough on the gasket to make the pits irrellivant... of course my opinion... cant be sure... mabee a couple of photos so we can make a better judgement.. good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wighti Posted October 14, 2003 Author Share Posted October 14, 2003 Ok I'll try to take some pics. I can't beleive out of all the people here rebuilding engines, No one has had this happen. Just my luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nug Posted October 14, 2003 Share Posted October 14, 2003 Oh, it happens. My g/f had coolant leaking into the #1 cylinder on her VW cabriolet. Closer inspection revealed that corrosion worked its way around the head gasket and into the combustion chamber. The h/g wasn't actually blown. Milling the head ($40) fixed that problem permanently. You guys replacing h/gaskets...do you check for head warpage? Also, it is my understanding that a freshly milled surface helps retain the gasket better than one that has been sanded, scotchbrited, or scraped. Comments? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
electryc_monk Posted October 14, 2003 Share Posted October 14, 2003 i didn't have any "pitting" that was physically present after the slight sanding of the gasket off the block. All that was left was the "discoloration" from where the gasket used to be. Now I will admit on the engine blocks that I did have that were toasted I didn't look closely around those areas at all for I was just trying to scavenge the cylinder heads and that's it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wighti Posted October 14, 2003 Author Share Posted October 14, 2003 Those black marks are pits. I'm gonna have the heads milled but, the block still has some pits just like this. Not as much as the heads but, they are still there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rallyruss Posted October 14, 2003 Share Posted October 14, 2003 dont stress on the marks. not unusual at all. it is caused by the type of head hasket previously used. if you machine the head you will be in good shape. BTW dont use any sealer on the head gaskets. they are designed to be installed dry. the only stuff that I have heard is ok is some kind of copper kote? dry is best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilesFox Posted October 14, 2003 Share Posted October 14, 2003 i use a razor to clean my heads. there is "pits" as de4scribed from the graphite from the last gasket. its nohing to worry about as long as there are no chunks sticking around. same goes for the engine surface too. no sealant, torque to spec Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wighti Posted October 15, 2003 Author Share Posted October 15, 2003 Great! Thanks guys, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setright Posted October 15, 2003 Share Posted October 15, 2003 You really should get the heads milled. It's the only way to ensure a smooth surface that is also flat - which is crucial! I second the motion to install the gaskets dry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilesFox Posted October 16, 2003 Share Posted October 16, 2003 bit dont mill the heads too much, because half the bracketry and the intake manifold are relative to the heads position, milling them down too far will offset a lot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.