Resurfacing cylinder heads

J

jabGT

New Member

Mar 11, 2004

59

0

0

Michigan

May 24, 2005

#1

• May 24, 2005

• #1

I am getting my cylinder heads resurfaced due to some slight warpage (.003 across the entire head, but I want to make sure I don't blow another head gasket) If the machine shop takes off minimum amount (under .010) will the intake manifold need to be milled and will I need to do anything with the pushrod/rocker arm clearence and how would I check this? I already have a valvetrain "tick" when warm.

Also what is the common method/equipment machine shops use to resurface heads? Is one way better than another?

Thanks

 

351LX

Founding Member

Jul 25, 2001

1,007

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0

Regina, Saskatchewan

May 24, 2005

#2

• May 24, 2005

• #2

According to my book"How to rebuild your Small-block Ford" you can mill up to .020 without having to worry about milling your intake.When I had my heads done I had them mill .010 off each and haven't had any problems.As long as the pushrods go in with the lifter pre-load in the right ballpark everything should be fine.

 

Stang8URMPRT

Active Member

Dec 28, 2003

1,100

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38

Daytona Beach, FL

May 24, 2005

#3

• May 24, 2005

• #3

If you want to ENSURE not having to mill the intake, you can have the heads angle milled... inwhich they mill it at a very slight angle, and barely take anything off the cylinder head at the intake side. This will keep the intake sitting true, and getting your warpage out at the same time. Ask your machinist about it.

 

NosPony

New Member

Apr 2, 2004

278

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Canton, Il

May 25, 2005

#4

• May 25, 2005

• #4

My heads were warped on mine. I just took them to work and lapped them for free. Got the perfectly flat. God I love working in a machine shop.

 

Killer50stang

New Member

May 11, 2004

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May 25, 2005

#5

• May 25, 2005

• #5

How do you know if they are warped? Isn't this mostly on Alum. heads?

 

J

jabGT

New Member

Mar 11, 2004

59

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0

Michigan

May 25, 2005

#6

• May 25, 2005

• #6

Both head gaskets where blown in the middle two cylinders on both sides. I remeausred them with a straight edge and I can fit a .005 feeler gauge under it in the location of the leaks. I do have the heads at the machine shop right now so they can inspect them. The head gaskets blew right after I retorqued the intake manifold (supercharger off). I have heard that it is not possible to lift the heads by over torquing the lower intake manifold, but now I am beginning to wonder.