Head warp tolerance.

Post by **vtl** » 14 Jan 2022, 13:17

Your 2002 gasket is not MLS.

02V70 · Post by **02V70** » 14 Jan 2022, 18:43

I got the tools today, and If I place the straightedge on top of the head, the largest feeler I can fit is a 0.008 inch or 0.20 mm. It will only fit in the middle (of the long side), and there is resistance when I put the feeler gauge in. Do I have to resurface it?

Since my 2002 gasket is not MLS, can I use MLS? Would one gasket require resurfacing while the other doesn't?

Post by **abscate** » 15 Jan 2022, 06:08

You are right on my personal tolerance for flatness. Anything over 0.006 inch I have it flattened.

I can see skipping it if your plan for the car is a few years of life and gentle use. It is a lot of sunk Labour cost to lose over a small cost of skimming.

At 250k miles your head should be in the shop for valves , anyway.

02V70 · Post by **02V70** » 15 Jan 2022, 18:42

After more thourough testing, I found a spot that was .010 inch, so I will probably resurface it.

Post by **vtl** » 15 Jan 2022, 20:16

Measure the block as well.

Post by **kallekula** » 16 Jan 2022, 04:39

10 thousands of an inch is almost borderline machineable so me personally would have had the head skimmed.

02V70 · Post by **02V70** » 19 Feb 2022, 21:23

I resurfaced the head using a DIY method. Now, there is .003 of an inch in the middle near the coolant holes, and .005 of an inch at the very end. Is this good?