When to have heads machined

[Wander]

I'm going to do the head gasket job in my 97 DI and I'm wondering if I should also have the heads machined while I'm at it. It has 142K and has been very well maintained. I do not know for sure if the head gaskets have been done or not so I figure better to be safe than sorry. Will it be obvious that the heads need to be machined or is there something specific to look for as a tell tale sign?

 

[crown14]

Remove the heads and take them to a reputable machine shop. Have them cleaned and pressure tested, resurfaced (machined if needed) and get a valve job done.

 

[ptschram]

I have yet to remove a pair of heads that were not out of spec. Some were closer than others and some were much worse, but they've all needed machining.

For me, it's cheap insurance against come-backs.

 

[tex599]

If you go to the trouble of removing them, you might as well have them machined, cost less than $300, at least here in the DFW area. It would suck to have to do the job again.

 

[rovercanus]

Will Tillery does an exchange for heads. He has them inspected , tested and machined if they are deemed worthy,,. I'd give him a call and see what be can do for you.

 

[rover4x4]

There is a machine shop in Kinston I have heard good things about. I have used one in Rocky Mount with good results.

 

[Tugela]

+1 on getting them machined. Valve job is also a good idea. When I did my head gasket replacement my perspective was "this is a big enough of a project that I don't want to do it again any time soon so while I have everything apart I'm going to replace as much as I can."

Other things to consider replacing while you're at it:

• injector o-rings (these often come with head gasket kits)
• water pump
• thermostat (cheap)
• radiator hoses ($75 or so for both)
• PCV hose ($9ish)
• heater return hose ($12ish)

Other folks probably have more suggestions to add. If you want to keep your truck running happy for a long time these items are a small investment that can give you some peace of mind. Good luck with the project.

 

[Wander]

Thanks guys, I was thinking it would be a no brainer and as well as this DI runs I want to keep to keep it that way. It's nice to not HAVE to do something for a change and be able to stay a head of trouble (I probably just jinxed my self there...)

I think I'll pull the radiator while I'm at it and have it rodded and steamed, sure would make the access better. Man this job is starting to add up!

 

[rover4x4]

It cost me about 1500 in parts when I did my Classic, I replaced a lot of stuff and a new rad. There are a lot of things that make sense to replace while its all apart.

 

[Tugela]

Right. Keep in mind one of the main reasons head gaskets fail: overheating. If you replace the head gaskets without fixing the cause of overheating you're not really solving the problem in the long run. Think about what other cooling system components might fail and go after those. Having your radiator revived is a good idea. Think about viscous fan clutch, as well. That's another potential problem that could undo your good head gasket work if it hasn't been replaced in a long time.

 

[Wander]

While I'm at it (that phrase can get expensive) what about the alternator? If I replace it is there a better choice than stock? I'm running lights and will be adding a winch so should I upsize the amps?

 

[NVRover]

While I'm at it (that phrase can get expensive) what about the alternator? If I replace it is there a better choice than stock? I'm running lights and will be adding a winch so should I upsize the amps?

Do a quick search. This topic has been discussed quite a bit. In addition to a mean green alternator, there should be a GM application.

 

[rovercanus]

Forgot to add that Will's heads include a valve job.

 

[DiscoSux]

Valve job - no question. Fresh valve guide seals is a must and the renewal of the valve seal is necessary.

Machine? Have your shop check them and machine as necessary. It is not really in your hands. If in spec - good to go, if not, machine. It's really not a matter of choice.

 

[michaels]

absolutely. it's added insurance for only couple hundred $$. i think the heads for my 04 DII were $150 to have machined. took a couple days, but that was no big deal.

 

[ptschram]

In all the time I've been doing this work, I have never removed a cylinder head that was within specs.

One time, I removed a pair of heads that had warped so badly, and that had been resurfaced once, that they were under the minimum height. I now have a set of high-compression Rover heads

Typically, only a few thousandths are necessary to have removed. If the limit is 0.020", we can re-work them three, four, or maybe even five times before we exceed the minimum height.

$400 plus shipping gets you a set of resurfaced head with valve job, valves stem seals, cleaning of the heads, pressure testing of the coolant passages and vacuum testing of the valve seats.

I usually have a few sets in stock and can modify three or four bolt heads for five bolt usage. Modifying non-SAI heads for SAI use under development.

 

[DiscoSux]

In all the time I've been doing this work, I have never removed a cylinder head that was within specs.

$400 plus shipping gets you a set of resurfaced head with valve job, valves stem seals, cleaning of the heads, pressure testing of the coolant passages and vacuum testing of the valve seats.

/\ GOOD DEAL /\

That's what I paid to have mine done locally by a reputable shop. I would have preferred a Rover specialist like PT do them though. atriot: