Cylinder Heads Replacement

MotoDave.HI

New member
Apr 9, 2020
4
0
Hawaii
I've had coolant leak issues for a while and finally did a pressure test and realized the head gaskets were shot. Since this ill be the second time around I measured the heads and also realized I was going to need to get new heads as they had already been machined to the limits. I picked up a new set via a facebook group from a guy who had stated they were tested and ready to go. Once they got here (I live in Hawaii) I measured the and low and behold they too are out of spec according to the RAVE overhaul manual.

Here's what I have. A few people have said I should be ok even though they are about .25 mm over what the RAVE says. I'm wondering what folks on here think. And if maybe using slightly thicker gaskets - if thats even an option - would be a good idea.

Drivers Side
A - 22.19 mm
B - 61.84 mm

Passenger side
A - 22.25 mm
B - 61.88 mm
 

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mearstrae

Well-known member
Mar 15, 2017
143
18
Pennsylvania
You should be OK. If these need straightened try to find a machine shop that "Cooks" aluminum cylinder heads. That is they put the heads in an oven, bolted to a steel plate, and bring them back to level without machining. Be sure to use new TTY bolts, or ARP studs to reinstall. And the best head gaskets you can find.
 

Tugela

Well-known member
May 21, 2007
4,754
561
Seattle
I have new head sets in stock (heads/gaskets/bolts etc) and ready to ship. Lots of guys off here have purchased over the years.

I'm one of them. The kit I bought from Will was exactly what I needed, the price was competitive, and many years later the head gaskets on that truck are still running strong. It's a no-brainer.
 

MotoDave.HI

New member
Apr 9, 2020
4
0
Hawaii
I have new head sets in stock (heads/gaskets/bolts etc) and ready to ship. Lots of guys off here have purchased over the years. 620.00 with all you need minus the coolant/oil and time.
Thanks Will - wish I had known about you a few weeks ago. I'll hit you up if I need anything else.
 

MotoDave.HI

New member
Apr 9, 2020
4
0
Hawaii
You should be OK. If these need straightened try to find a machine shop that "Cooks" aluminum cylinder heads. That is they put the heads in an oven, bolted to a steel plate, and bring them back to level without machining. Be sure to use new TTY bolts, or ARP studs to reinstall. And the best head gaskets you can find.

Thanks mearstrae - I've got ARP studs for this go around and the Reinz gasket kit.

What would the max machined height be that you would use? .25mm out of spec doesn't seem to bad. Just wondering if I'm opening up a can of worms with compression or any other issues.

Are thicker gaskets out there? Would they even be worth using?
 

discostew

Well-known member
Sep 14, 2010
7,706
1,015
Northern Illinois
You guys need to figure out where to put your decimal points. Looking at your readings I gotta think this thing was involved in some sort of explosion.
Not sure what the original post is
Measuring. The picture is a straight edge laid across the head to show where to place it while using a feeler gauge to measure the surface for being straight.
A head that measures .25 mm runout is junk. But rest easy, cause that measurement is wrong.
Please pull your head from your ass.
 

mearstrae

Well-known member
Mar 15, 2017
143
18
Pennsylvania
Ah, one quarter of one millimeter (.25 mm) is .009 inches. But a moot point as Will has the best answer, a new set up. Better to start with a known quantity. And with the cost of redoing a set of heads (cleaning, straightening, checking guides and valve seats - and hoping nothing needs changed out) a better deal. And as MotoDave probably isn't a machinist or a professional mechanic a safer way to go.
 
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