Head Skimming

comanche

If the head is taken off an engine cold does it need to get skimmed. I.e. if the head gasket has not gone but other work needs to be done should the head be skimmed?

Owen

No, but the head gasket will have to be replaced.

kluivert

Replace the head gasket, sure why not skim the head and polish, polishing will allow the gases to be moved at a higher rate.

\m/_(>_<)_\m/

comanche wrote:

If the head is taken off an engine cold does it need to get skimmed. I.e. if the head gasket has not gone but other work needs to be done should the head be skimmed?

yes it should... any time the head is removed it is good practise to skim the head, new gasket and also new head bolts... they also have to be torqued.

this is due to the heat effecting the head while running, when removed slight warping will occur

Darragh29

You should get the head skimmed just to be on the safe side. It's good practice to have the head skimmed everytime it is being refitted (unless of course you are fitting a new one!). It probably won't need much taken off it if it hasn't overheated and it's only 50 Euro to get it skimmed so for the sake of having peace of mind I'd say get it done. Also, as said above replace cylinder head bolts and gasket and make sure you torque correctly and it is also good practice to replace the timing belt while you have it off, usually cost 20-40 Euro (be sure to check new one against old one for length and number of teeth)...

SouperComputer

Any reccomendations as to where I could get this done?

Looks like ive blown a head gasket in my Passat. The temps didnt go sky high, but I think I will get it skimmed and regirind the valves just in case.