Is it neccessary to get the head skimmed

mooser · Post by **mooser** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 10:01 pm

Is it neccessary to get the head skimmed when fitting a new klinger gasket ?

I know this sounds like I am cutting corners but the head gasket has just started to go and I need the motor on the road and haven't relly got the time to strip the head and have it skimmed. will it be ok to just put a new one on or will it be too thick ?
Cheers.

mooser · Post by **mooser** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 10:07 pm

Anyone

rover220 · Post by **rover220** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 10:08 pm

dude its been 6 minutes.

but, if the head is checked and its flat then no, there should be no need to get it skimmed, just cleaned up nicely with the block....(unlike what i did lol)

John W · Post by **John W** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 10:09 pm

Providing there's nothing wrong with the head you won't need to have it skimmed, just clean it up with some fine wet n dry.

mooser · Post by **mooser** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 10:12 pm

Ok cheers lads, just am in a rush because I have ordered a klinger off fleabay but if the head needed skimming then I would have to order a full head set instead.

BlueRover · Post by **BlueRover** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 10:13 pm

rover220 wrote:dude its been 6 minutes.

That's pretty slow for RT, you've got to admit. Normally there are 20 views of new threads within the first minute.

BlueRover · Post by **BlueRover** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 10:14 pm

mooser wrote:Ok cheers lads, just am in a rush because I have ordered a klinger off fleabay but if the head needed skimming then I would have to order a full head set instead.

No you wouldn't. If the head needed skimming you would still only need the headgasket.

mooser · Post by **mooser** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 10:17 pm

When I needed the head skimming before the motor factor place would only do it if I fully stripped the head first.

John W · Post by **John W** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 10:18 pm

I got mine skimmed with the valves in place.

mooser · Post by **mooser** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 10:20 pm

Ok, sounds good to me - fingers crossed for the weekend then.

Post by **Punx0r** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 10:40 pm

Sometimes heads can be skimmed with the valves in place. It depends on the design of the head and how proud the valves sit compared to the head face. If you are stripping then head then it would be a false econom not to renew things like valve stem seals, cam seals, as well as lapping the valves in.

Hughes_16 · Post by **Hughes_16** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 11:32 pm

When mine was skimmed the valves where left in place, everything else was removed.

victor3 · Post by **victor3** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 12:40 am

because I have ordered a klinger off fleabay

Take your time! My gasket was supposed to come by first class post and took 3 weeks to arrive!!

Scott · Post by **Scott** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 12:49 am

the cam carriers only have to be removed, otherwise there is nothing for the head to sit perfectly flat on!

will-220GSiTurbo · Post by **will-220GSiTurbo** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 11:03 am

dont most motor factors sell the 'klinger' style gaskets now anyway?
i know they have done away with the old k series gasket, its now the uprated multi layer gasket with the sandwich plate,and if the ebay connection takes its time, its worth trying a factor.

:

Scott · Post by **Scott** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 11:11 am

you can buy the klinger on its own, just say you want a headgasket for a 97 Ti. Mention MLS (multi layer steel) and theyll get all excited like its special...

i presonally wouldnt use a klinger without a skim, and certainly without taking a good deal of time cleaning the block face... a skim cost very little, and its a good opertunity to reseal the cam carriers again...

my thoughts are, the old gasket, you can dig your finger nail into, the klinger? well, not quite...

420gazza · Post by **420gazza** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 2:01 pm

depending on how much the heads been skimmed already will determine whether the valves need to come out. usually T series heads can be lightly skimmed 3-4 times before the valves need taking out, but if the heads a crap one then only one skim maybe possible.

if you do have to take your valves out it may be worth looking for a new head as its obviously passed it sell by date, putting this head back on will only raise your compression and may give more trouble than its worth.

Descent heads can be got for quite cheap on here

victor3 · Post by **victor3** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 2:41 pm

IIRC, the head can be skimmed to a max. of 20 thou (0.5mm).

shane25 · Post by **shane25** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 5:57 pm

most motor factors take the to a local engineering company to get done, my local 1 wanted Â£35 so i phoned around some places and got it done for Â£25, but it was fully stripped, while you got it off you might aswell strip it, oil seals are buggers tho lol

T_16 · Post by **T_16** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 12:27 am

victor3 wrote:IIRC, the head can be skimmed to a max. of 20 thou (0.5mm).

half a mil? Jeesus F, that seems like rather alot!

Surely this would alter compression ratios?

mooser · Post by **mooser** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 10:07 pm

Job done - piece of cake