Head Skimming

[Jiggy Josh]

I am currently in the process of (finally) replacing my head gasket after it blowing cylinder-coolant pathway! I've run a straight edge all across the surface of the head and it doesn't appear to be warped but it DOES appear to have very slight "pitting" around where the fire rings are, so i'm assuming it needs to be skimmed.

I've found a chap on the island who does machining and skimming etc but I'm guessing all the valves and camshafts etc are going to have to be removed from the head before this is possible?

I have the RAVE manual and have had a look at some forum threads where people have removed the VVC but im having trouble making sence of alot of it! What are the chances of me taking it apart and not being able to put it back together again? I'm VERY reluctant to start touching the VVC as i really don't feel as if i know what i'm doing!

What's the easiest way to get the head ready for skimming with the minimal amount of work having to be done to the VVC? and if i did attempt it, are there any special tools/sealants i'll need for reassembly? :sad:

[Nobrainer]

Can't help with your questions I'm afraid but I'm sure I read somewhere that the head was 'peened' to harden it and you shouldn't skim them unless you have to.

[Fast Alan]

Have a look what this bloke does around the fire rings

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_G6RlW2HQtg&NR=1

[eurorover]

If you are using the upgraded Gasket then the serface needs to be flat. you may be able to get away with skimming it with the valves in. thats if they sit below the surface when closed

[Nobrainer]

Have a look what this bloke does around the fire rings

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_G6RlW2HQtg&NR=1

Surely sticking big dents in the surface with a hammer and nail has to be baaad for your head

[Jiggy Josh]

hmm.. i've been doing some more reading but i'm still not overly confident in attempting this job!

Does anybody know if i will have to re sync the vvc mechs when i have to put it all back together? or can i just take the cam carrier off with the vvc mechs, cams and HCU assembly attached, therefore not having to do anything to it at all?

[Nobrainer]

I haven't done it myself but I believe you leave the vvc bits on or it all gets a bit commplicated. I think this thread had some more info...
http://forum.brit-cars.com/showthread.php?t=2544

[GT-]

Good link ;)

First things first - ask if the head skimmer will do it, might find it's inclusive.

When I removed my head, I kept it all locked into timing and in one piece, including the inlet manifold. But I didn't skim the head... sounds like a similar situation to mine, it was a straight head with the steel rule and some slight pitting. I'm not suggesting you shouldn't get it skimmed though!

That car lasted me another 3 years / 30k and finally died at 200,000 miles by rotting through an earth on the chassis and blowing the alternator. That was a fun drive home in the dark, the RPM controlled the headlamps like dimmer switches :D