Head surface pitted...

[1g_TaLoN]

My machinist gave me the "I don't know man looks good but if it's not that's on you" when I showed him the HD pics on my iPad. I am building a 6bolt and trying out a 7bolt head this go round. I found a decent candidate for the head, but I am unsure about the head surface.

Please let me know what your opinion is on the surface. The owner said it was finished for a MLS but It does not have the mirror finish I have seen from my machine shop. I will be running a MLS. The pitting in question is around an oil hole so I don't know how I feel about using it.

I do plan on completing all the Bogus oiling mods and read all of his tech articles (great stuff). But the article on head surfaces shows a mirror finish as well and again not seeing it here. Yes I could purchase and have it rematch index but if I am going to have todo that then I will wait for a cheaper head.

Thanks for the info and opinions in advance.

More pics

More pics

More pics

 

[lasthope05]

I would run it. Doesn't seem too bad to me. Also, that is a coolant port and not oil.

 

[BogusSVO]

That is correct that it is a coolant passage, so the pitting will not hurt, bet if you laid the seal a composite gasket on it, the pitting would be inside the gasket port.

I will agree, I also do not like the surface finish for a MLS, a composite would seal.

But I can count the ridges from the cutter, so you will be able to catch a finger nail on them.

The other thing is all the intake valves have been changed, they look to be some sort of parts store replacement valves.

I would have to guess the timing belt broke and bent them, common enough.

I tend not to use most aftermarket replacement valves, I use factory 6T or stainless valves.

Now my question is, were the guides checked for cracks and replaced as needed?

 

[arrowhead]

He should first measure the head and see how much leeway he has to work with, he could even measure the depth of the pits and arrive at a conclusion, it does not look too bad , but for your peace of mind, it should be checked.

 

[1g_TaLoN]

Well the head has only been cut once per the owner. But I don't trust that based on the statement of the head being surfaced for MLS and it is not. Also I was told the exhaust valves were replaced. This may be true if all 16 valves were aftermarket and exhausts replaced with OEM. Either way too many questions, unknowns, and inconsistencies for me to buy a head from across the country and have it shipped.

I'm back in the hunt. I really thought a 7 Bolt head would be easier to find then a 6 Bolt head. Seems like that is not the case. Every head I find is damaged, under 5.185" premilling, way overpriced, or hogged out by some idiot with a dremel.