Head gasket repair. Opinions please.

[arim]

Hey, I'm in the process of replacing the head gasket in my 93 camry 3vzfe engine. After cleaning the blocked mating surface, micro imprints remain from the old gasket. Is it ok to go ahead anyways and replace the gasket?

[carsrus]

Have you used a air tool with a abrasive pad to clean everything up?

It should be ok.

[71Corolla]

Interesting question, sorry I don't have the answer. An expert here can tell you the maximum allowable imperfections. Can you feel them with your finger? I took a quick look at the service manual, it states that the maximum warpage of the block surface is 0.05mm, and tells you not to scratch the surface when removing the gasket (duh).

I would do what carsrus suggests, use an abrasive pad and run it across the block a few times.

[mrturrari]

You shouldn't use abrasive pads on a flat mating surface like that. They cut more around the edges then the middle and you will end up with an even worse seal. You will be better of just leaving it the way it is or better yet have a machine shop look at it. It's really hard to tell without seeing it in person but I am guessing the lighting in those pics makes them look deeper then they really are.

[sam333]

Originally Posted by mrturrari

You shouldn't use abrasive pads on a flat mating surface like that. They cut more around the edges then the middle and you will end up with an even worse seal. You will be better of just leaving it the way it is or better yet have a machine shop look at it. It's really hard to tell without seeing it in person but I am guessing the lighting in those pics makes them look deeper then they really are.

+1
never use air tools to clean the block or head ( causes dishing and a bad seal). If you had a blown head gasket, the head AND the block should be check for warpage. You have to at least use a machinist straight edge, (not a ruler ) to check it. Always check the block too. So many head gasket jobs go wrong here.

[curry.style]

Originally Posted by sam333

+1
never use air tools to clean the block or head ( causes dishing and a bad seal). If you had a blown head gasket, the head AND the block should be check for warpage. You have to at least use a machinist straight edge, (not a ruler ) to check it. Always check the block too. So many head gasket jobs go wrong here.

+1
I replaced a head gasket one time on a car without taking everything to a machine shop and I'll never make that mistake twice. The last engine I took to the machine shop had a good headgasket, but still had a warped block. If you're going to tear this far into a car do it right, it'll save headaches and downtime later.

[arim]

Thanks for your replies everyone.