2G I removed the head and found a chip

[GsxEcutioner]

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

Not sure if this is the right part of the forum to post and haven't been using tuners for the past 5 years but I have a small issue. I bought a 7 bolt off a friend of mine. It was running and I decided to refresh the motor. Upon taking the head off to do a head gasket job, I found a chip on the inside of the head near where a headstand goes. It's the very middle head stud on the exhaust side where the oil galley is. I dont know if I did it when removing the head or it was like this but the wall is chipped. The surface where the washer goes for the head stud itself is untouched. Is this still useable? Thanks

 

[Dsmkauai]

Could just be a casting flaw. Don't see why you can't use it bro

 

[jery1234]

^ +1

 

[curt-s]

Can you use a tiny mirror to see the backside of that and make sure there isn't a crack or something that runs downwards? Chip could be stress or improper installation/removal of the stud or bolt, whichever it has run in the past. I don't see anything on the seat (needs better focus), but I'd give it a gander 'round back just to put the answer to rest.

If it's clean, should be fine to run.

 

[GsxEcutioner]

Thanks guys, it was late and I used a flashlight , I'll try and get a better pic and will definitely check the backside for cracks.

 

[GsxEcutioner]

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

This is the best I can do at the moment . Gotta buy a mirror later.

 

[crimsondragon]

Clean it up and smooth it out with a small jeweler's file. I see no issues running it.

 

[motomattx]

Someone pried on that area for some reason, run it, its fine.

 

[GsxEcutioner]

Will do guys thanks, I'm not exactly sure on removing cams. Is it ok to remove them without messing up the valve seats and other things? I just want to get the most room to file it down. Also if there is anything in the head/block what's the best way to clean it all out? Thanks

 

[Cruciatus111]

It's normal to have that and I wouldn't do anything about it, I have worked on several heads and all of them have that break in it. It would be a big pain to file it down because of all the filings that you would have to remove, otherwise it could get into your engine and do damage to it. But if you still want to remove the casting flash then I would suggest for you to use needle nose pliers to get big chunks of it off without making a mess and easy cleanup.

Here's a spare head of mine with the same casting/machining flaws

As for removing the cam, no it will not damage the valve seats, it's just a pain because you have to deal with the rocker arms, which you have to be sure that they go back in the same spot that they came from

 

[Boomdeeze]

As for removing the cam, no it will not damage the valve seats, it's just a pain because you have to deal with the rocker arms, which you have to be sure that they go back in the same spot that they came from

Since when do the rockers have to go back in the same spot they came out of? Did you mean the cam caps because yes those need to go back in the exact spot they came from. I have taken my head apart many times and throw all the rockers in a bag until they are reinstalled.

And to the OP- Put a rag/towel in the hole so pieces don't fall in to the pan and just use a vacuum during the process to pick up as much debris as possible. The rag should hold the pieces there so you can get them before removing the rag once complete. In all honesty, I would put a rag down there and touch it up with a dremel to get the edges and call it a day.

 

[GsxEcutioner]

Thanks everyone, the heads off the car actually. I was trying to replace the head gasket.

 

[GsxEcutioner]

Can someone tell me the best way to clean out any shavings that may have fell into the block?

 

[Dsmkauai]

Shop vac with small tube attachment to fit in tight spots. That or get the block cleaned up or hot tanked. Use brake clean and spray it out. Whatever you do make sure you clean it out thoroughly and then again

 

[GsxEcutioner]

Thanks, I'm also doing a BSE so I'll be in there. Thank god it didn't chip off while in use .