After much manual skimming using an engineers plate and aluminium oxide paper (previous thread), I have got our Midget cylinder head almost flat. But I am not sure if it is OK as is now, or will I need to do a little more so am asking the opinions of the collective.

I placed a smear of white paste on the engineers plate to get an even thin coat and then layed the head on it and lifted it straight off. All of the surface was covered except for a small bit in the centre about 2" x 1". As the gap between #2 & #3 is about 1", I would think the gasket will seal that fine unlike the 1/4" gap between 1&2 and 3&4 which is where the headgasket went before I started skimming.

What do you guys think? (apart from me stopping being a tight-a**e and getting it done at a garage )

I did use a 24" steel rule as a straight edge, but I don't think they are that true to be honest.

Ive done my heads and blocks the same way, and never had a problem related to any defect in the skimming
But if you have found a small area, I would just skim it again lightly

Steve

If you have an A series 1275 they usually blow head gaskets between the bores of cylinders 2 & 3.
Carefully check the block top surface in this area as is not unusual to find it eroded.

It's actually the spitfire 1500 engine. The block seems in really good nick as far as I can tell. The first head gasket failed between 1&2 and 3&4 where the bridge is only around 10mm. Between 2&3 is much wider .

There's a couple of guys local who will skim the head for around £50 if you've stripped it. A place in Stroud and a guy I use regularly in Gloucester. Let me know if you want their details.

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Originally posted by thefreak
There's a couple of guys local who will skim the head for around £50 if you've stripped it. A place in Stroud and a guy I use regularly in Gloucester. Let me know if you want their details.

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