Warped block ?? Uncommon ?

[Bogus]

How common is it for the block in a 2.4 to be warped. Obviously I know cracked heads are an issue but I would guess in most cases a new head gets you mobile again. The block looks a bit robust for it to twist to me

Can I assume that running a straight edge over the block with the odd feeler gauge check is the normal way of checking flatness? Does anybody use or know of garages that use fancy laser devices?

What if you do find that theres a bit of a deviation in tolerance, say a couple of thou more than you want ( I beleive 2 thou is the limit) Is there a way of taking up this minor deviation or is it machining or new block?

Bogus

[plumb bob]

In the old days, before diesels were comman, we used to put a thicker head gaskit on to take up the deviation, but with the high heat levels and compression ratio's of the diesel engine I doubt if this would be satisfactory.

Machining/skimming might work but you would need to seek expert advice, probably from TonyN.