Slightly pitted block, can I help it before fitting new HG.

[pictonroad]

I'm verging on the edge of bolting my car back together with a new head gasket, the head's been skimmed and rebuilt at great cost...

My block is slightly pitted, especially around cylinder 6. Will this be a problem? (I'm not taking the block out!)

will the gasket take up the slack or is there a sealant I can use.

I'll try and get a picture later, but pics don't always convey the story.

Cheers,

James

[Speedtouch]

I recently had a similar problem with an MG Midget 1275cc engine, between the middle cylinders. A light cleaning with a fine wire brush and fine sandpaper plus new Payen head gasket and it's been OK since, with even compression across all four cylinders. I did however torque down the head bolts a little tighter than the book figure.

[mash320i]

as long as it isnt to bad, i wouldnt worry about it

[Brianmoooore]

Depends where the pitting is. Lay the head gasket on the top of the block, and if you can see all the pitting through the various holes, there won't be a problem. If it encroaches on the area covered by the fire rings, then the block needs skimming.

[pictonroad]

nah, the few mm around the bores is good, it's beyond the 'metal rings' that the pitting has occured.

[SPADGE]

It'll be fine mate. Best of luck with the re-build and make sure everything is clinicly clean before re-assembly.