Head gasket Prep...

[Hamilton2oo7]

Doing the gasket on my vts, what can I use to clean up the block and head? Head doesn't need skimmed or anything!

[Bedford126]

for one i would get a head skim any way's no point in doing the job twice. and use brake cleaner to clean the mating surfaces prior to fitting the gasket for stubbon carbon buld up use a NYLON scotch brite that will get it cleaned up and like new.

[joeblogs]

I read if the head is not warped, i.e. does not need skimmed then don't do it - that is because you will change the compression, need to have this tested and could cause further problems.

I'm not a mechanic, but just what I have read.

[blackie_2k5]

if the head doesnt need skimmed dont get it skimmed, but be sure it doesnt or as bedfrd sais youll be doing it twice

[Hamilton2oo7]

Thanks for the advice. I'll clean it up and see what condition it's in. It looks pretty good though, looks like the gasket was leaking from an oil gallery, possibley between the middle cylinders too but generally looks okay, I'll check it's not warped either.
How easy is it to do a water pump while it's stripped down, anyone know?

[Bedford126]

if you can do the timing belt yourself you can do the water pump. i think there pretty cheap from citroen too.

[saxo-parts]

if theres even the slightest possibility of it blowing between 2 cylinders then get it skimmed, why save 25 quid to have to do the job again, also a light skim is standard practice and will hardly raise the compression at all,its not like its going to need loads taking off.

[Bedford126]

if theres even the slightest possibility of it blowing between 2 cylinders then get it skimmed, why save 25 quid to have to do the job again, also a light skim is standard practice and will hardly raise the compression at all,its not like its going to need loads taking off.

+1 every head that comes off at work goes for skimming just pointless not to. its like having a shit but not wiping your arse because it does not need it

[KrisB]

Im gonna agree, taking the head off warps it anyway. I've had many heads off and not because the headgasket is gone... it's just the done thing and for the sake of £40 which i pay, you have that bit more security.

I use a bench stone to clean up the block face.