Need a machinest opinion QUICKLY!

[LKWTSI]

Hey there. Here's the thing. I already have a engine shop telling me I'm screwed and need to use my old block, but I want some second opinions before I throw out another couple hundred on machine work.

I bought this block to replace my old one after the TBelt stripped and bent a bunch of stuff. Long story short this was supposed to be a straight swap for my old engine. I decided to do some extra work on the new one before dropping it in and I pulled the head and found this nick on the cylinder.

I've tried to explain in the pic', what I'm getting at, but I need to know if anyone else thinks this block is scrap!! My engine guy tells me it looks like the block has been decked to get rid of the nick as best they could and I fear the same thing.

After putting the piston at TDC the top of the piston is within thousandths of the top and for the best part of it I'd say flush. The lines in the picture explain where the top lip of the piston is in relation to the cylinder and the other line shows where the piston piston is in relation to the block surface. I hope this makes sense.

My concern is that when the gasket is laid down on the block there's still a tiny gap that is between the piston and the cylinder. We've both concluded that this will cause a route for gases to burn through the head gasket eventually.

WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK

 

[pj91gsx]

i would consider cutting back the gasket but thats because i like to live dangerously.

 

[supravw]

i would consider cutting back the gasket but thats because i like to live dangerously.

That's terrible advice.

Don't cut the gasket or modify it. I'd do what a couple people have already stated and either cut it .040 over or just get a HG that is .040.

 

[LKWTSI]

That's terrible advice.

Don't cut the gasket or modify it. I'd do what a couple people have already stated and either cut it .040 over or just get a HG that is .040.

I appreciate the info, guys. But would buying an oversized HG really be the way to go? I wondered about doing that earlier, but was concerned about creating a small ring under the head and block surface that would be exposed to high temps and pressures.

I'm kinda going with the idea that spending a hundred+ dollars on an oversized MLS gasket, is fine, but spend a fraction more and send my original block in and get it done right and start with a solid block and not have the worries of wondering if the HG is going to give out.

Certainly appreciate the options.