Engine block

[Cabrio1997]

Hi

My car went in to get a new head gasket done. 1.2 8V Fire.

I just went to see the mechanic and he showed me that that the gasket was burnt between cylinders 1-2 and 3-4.

He said this was because of wear on the block at cylinders 1 and 4 and that pressure was escaping, damaging the gasket and had allowed it to go at those points.

He gave me 2 options -

1) just put the head back on with a skim, new gasket and bolts and hope for the best - may last 1 month or 1 year.
2) Or alternatively, get the block skimmed which will cost $$$$.


The head gasket had only been done by the PO a few months ago, but he obviously did not skim the head or use new bolts. Also, it looks like there was not much antifreeze in it because of the amount of corrosion.

I am not too bothered about loss of performance because it is just a run around and I don't take it on motorways - but I don't really want it to break down on me!

What do you think my best option would be and any experience of how long it would be likely to last without skimming the block?

Cheers!

 

[s130]

I think you need to determine if the block needs skimming?

This can be done by "Blue Plating" the block surface. Any good engineering company can do this and explain it to you. The downside is this is normally done with the block in the workshop and not in the car. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engineer%27s_blue

One way of doing this with the block in the car is to get a flat and true plate (slightly oversize of block dimension) and use a fine emery paper between the plate and the block and slide/skid each other against themselves. If there is any block warping/unevenness then this will be evident on the polished/dull block surfaces.

Alternatively you can use a flat sheet of glass and any blue marker ink or even a sticky fluid like honey. Coat both surfaces and lower the glass plate evenly onto the block and let it self level. Through the glass you should be able to see the high and low spots. A final very gently and even pressure on the glass plate will help confirm the results.

If all looks even (hard to describe but imagine a water bubble between two plates of glass) then the head does not really need skimming.

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi

My car went in to get a new head gasket done. 1.2 8V Fire.

I just went to see the mechanic and he showed me that that the gasket was burnt between cylinders 1-2 and 3-4.

He said this was because of wear on the block at cylinders 1 and 4 and that pressure was escaping, damaging the gasket and had allowed it to go at those points.

He gave me 2 options -

1) just put the head back on with a skim, new gasket and bolts and hope for the best - may last 1 month or 1 year.
2) Or alternatively, get the block skimmed which will cost $$$$.


The head gasket had only been done by the PO a few months ago, but he obviously did not skim the head or use new bolts. Also, it looks like there was not much antifreeze in it because of the amount of corrosion.

I am not too bothered about loss of performance because it is just a run around and I don't take it on motorways - but I don't really want it to break down on me!

What do you think my best option would be and any experience of how long it would be likely to last without skimming the block?

Cheers!

Hi. The cost of an engine strip will be pretty high.

Decide for yourself...are you keeping the vehicle for years..?

If you are keeping it..get the block skimmed. Bore honed. New piston rings. Head skimmed. Valves lapped.
Head gasket and bolts

If its not that great and will be scrapped within 2 years.
Fit a good running engine from an mot failure. Whole car will be less than 100 pounds.
labour time / costs will be comparable.

Charlie . Oxford