Just got the head off, what to fix now.

[johnk]

OK me and my buddy spent the good part of a couple hours tearing head off the engine. The problem started by my #2 cylinder going completly dead I got about 5-10 psi on a compression test. The first thing we noticed is that one of the valves had a chunk taken out of it. Obviously the valves makes it onto the replacement list. My question is what else should I be looking at to replace? Is this a wear and tear thing? Did I run the boost too high? Something else?

The other thing is what kind of work should be having done to the head to get it back and running. My friend was talking about angle jobs and pressure testing and I'm not really sure what all that is or if it's neccessary or if I need to get something else done. I don't want to go into a shop and say fix this cause I've been screwed with shit work and ghetto rigging everytime I've said that.

The chunk of valve didn't make it out without doing any damage on the way either. There is some light scoring on the top inch of the cylinder. Do you guys think this would be a big issue? My friend was saying that it is mostly above where the rings are going to be at the top of the stroke so I might not have to worry about it. I'm looking for a second opinion since he was all too convinced, but leaned towards not worring. I'll try to get some pictures up on it tommorow night.

Finally if anyone knows any reputable shops around the central Mass area I would really apreciate the tip on where to bring it. I would really prefer to take ajob like this to a shop that knows DSMs.

Thanks guys for any tips, advice or shop names.

Oh ya and does anyone know anything about cylinder honing. The cylinders are perfectly smooth except for the couple nicks in #2. Would it cause a lot oil burn if my cylinders are not hatched anymore? I lose about a quart every 250-300 miles.

 

[johnk]

Also I know I have to replace the head gasket but do I also have to replace the studs? This is the first time I've taken the head off any car so don't be afraid to spell anything out. I'd rather you guys teach me like I'm retarded than have the car break down 5 miles out before I get it home and feel like the retard for not doing the job right.

 

[Dad]

Pressure testing would be considered if you have had coolant loss. If not you should be safe in not doing that. A visual inspection for any cracks after it is clean should be fine.
Not a bad idea to have it surfaced.. just a clean up cut.
As for cylinders.. if the marks are in the ring travel they can cause a problem.
Light scoring near the bottom can be ok.. But near the top can be a problem. Compression is higher as the piston comes to the top, if there is a score it can allow compression to pass the ring in that area. Oil consumption can come from a number of things., oil rings, valve guides, turbo seals and of course leaks.
Randy

 

[jeff01]

Since the head is off have it completely disassembled by a qualified machine shop. They can tell you what needs to be done. Plan on possible valve replacement, valve seat grinding, replacing valve seals and possibly valve guides, and of course, resurfacing. Plan on spending $300-500. In addition you will need to install a new head gasket. Go with a factory part on the HG.

 

[PogiTSI]

Since the head is off have it completely disassembled by a qualified machine shop. They can tell you what needs to be done. Plan on possible valve replacement, valve seat grinding, replacing valve seals and possibly valve guides, and of course, resurfacing. Plan on spending $300-500. In addition you will need to install a new head gasket. Go with a factory part on the HG.

I would do a port and polish while its out. Might as well, do some Upgrading while ur replacing stuff, Make it better then stock. why not upgrade the cams too????

 

[johnk]

OK just got home now I can show you guys how it is.

If you look at the picture of the seat you can see where the valve chunk that's missing went to. It was melted to the side of the chamber. I didn't check iit but I'm not sure if it even effects the seating. There was enough carbon buildup on the valves and seat to keep the valve off enough to over heat it. Atleast that's my guess on the situation...

I'm hoping you guys think I should just file this lump off and lap(sp?) some new valves in.

On the cylinder picture the only scratch I can feel is the one near the top thats marked with the arrow. My brother has working a machine shop for 15 years or so and says it feels like .002 depth scratch. I was hoping to hone the cylinders or maybe have a shop do it.

Pogi if I had the cash to be polishing and porting this thing I wouldn't be freezing out here doing it myself. And I'd definitly be getting the stainless valves and titanium springs retainers I was looking at this morning

 

[johnk]

I've been getting work done on the head. Took it all apart and am sending to a shop this week to get machined and cleaned. I wasn't sure if when I put the head back on should I reuse the studs that I have? They don't have any visible stretching in the threads. The head may be a little warped but I'll wait for the shop to evaluate it and get back to me. And can you reuse the metal mitsu head gaskets?