Shaving Iron Heads?

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Jun 19, 2013 | 01:31 AM

DanielRicany

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Melting Slicks

Joined: Jun 2013

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Shaving Iron Heads?

Hey guys, I was just thinking about if I ever had to replace a head gasket or pull pistons, which would require a head gasket change, since my 1985 has iron heads, do I have to send them out to be shaved? Or can I just scrape them off with a razor or use a cookie? I'm used to working on cars with aluminum heads so this has never crossed my mind before. Since the main reason why we shave heads is because aluminum warps, but iron has a higher resistance to that so I'm thinking they wouldn't need to be shaved. Thanks!

Jun 19, 2013 | 02:03 AM

phat87

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2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist

self test

Use the old iron flat bar wrapped in emery cloth. A few swipes of that and you'll have pretty good idea of what you have.

Jun 19, 2013 | 06:20 AM

RichS

Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 1999

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From: WilkesBarre PA

Iron heads still need to be cleaned up with a resurface if needed. I wouldn't use a Cookie on it. Too aggressive and you can make the surface worse.

Jun 19, 2013 | 09:48 AM

cv67

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From: altered state

St. Jude Donor '05

Those things cause more harm than good and can remove metal easily. Plastic gasket scrapers are nice ; quick surface done check for cracks, go from there.

Jun 19, 2013 | 10:09 AM

AQUILA163

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Joined: Feb 2006

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From: Reading Pa

We machine heads when they are warped or we want to reduce chamber volume. Put a straight edge on it after it is clean. If it's flat put it back on as is.