Head skim or not?

[KERRSURF]

After visually inspecting the head it appears to be intact, should I go ahead and replace the gasket and bolt it back together or should I be getting it skimmed first?
If I get it skimmed do I need to do anything with the valves?
the combustion and exhaust ports are well recessed in the head.

[JD_975]

You don't have to have it skimmed, you can get it checked for "plain surface" which just removes the bare minimum to make sure the head is straight, normally costs about £30 and saves you the job of cleaning the head too

The valves were working fine before so leave them, you can go to town and have them faced and reground but if they were working fine before you won't notice a difference. Modern heads with seats don't suffer from valve recess, they are more than likely sat where they are meant to sit.

If it was my money it would be getting the head checked for straight (plain surface) and put back together

[KERRSURF]

thanks for your reply

[MWS]

thanks for your reply

Hey, Alan. I hope that you've dodged the bullet on that one, and the head isn't cracked. Have you had it pressure tested? If not, it may be worth taking the extra trouble for your peace of mind. ....Good luck mate.

[KERRSURF]

it's going for a skim.

[TonyN]

Hey, Alan. I hope that you've dodged the bullet on that one, and the head isn't cracked. Have you had it pressure tested? If not, it may be worth taking the extra trouble for your peace of mind. ....Good luck mate.

It's a petrol motor, they have a far easier life than the diesel motor heads. The older much more troublesome V6's rarely had anything wrong with actual heads, just need new gaskets as they get old, like most motors.

The 2.7 is turning out to be a fine motor, even after 14 years or so now.

[KERRSURF]

Agreed Tony, it's in really good condition engine wise considering it's age and mileage. The cams are spot on, buckets showing no wear so after head is skimmed it should be good to go.