Starting this thread in an attempt to get in one place expert opinions on how to prepare the deck surface of a block (other than sending it off to a machine shop) when replacing the head gasket. For the purposes of this discussion we will assume that the deck is within the Toyota spec for FLATNESS ie: not warped, because if the deck is warped than the only answer pretty much is to send it off to a machine shop or replace the block
Below is a link to video made by an experienced machinist showing how to hand lap a block deck. It may seem a bit slow in spots but listen to what the person is saying and try to stick with it until the end.
Some people may say the amount of detail/work in the video linked below is not required. But the point of showing the video is to use that information as a starting point; ie: do we go that far, and if not, how far do we have to go, and how best to go about it??
Here it is:
So basically looking for people to share their expert opinions based on their experience/training to answer these basic questions as it relates to preparation of the 1FZFE block deck prior to installation of a new HG:
1) How smooth (surface finish RA) does the deck need to be for a Composite (OEM) head gasket versus a MLS (multi-layer steel) gasket?
2) How does the average person (without a $2000 contact surface roughness profilometer) determine the finish of the deck?
3) If the deck is not smooth (commonly seen corrosion pitting for example) what tools/techniques can be used to get it where we want it without causing more damage?
4) And what techiniques/tools should not be used (steel or brass wire wheel, fine versus course wire, Roloc pads, 3M Scotch Bright pads Red versus Green #96---)?
Below is a link to video made by an experienced machinist showing how to hand lap a block deck. It may seem a bit slow in spots but listen to what the person is saying and try to stick with it until the end.
Some people may say the amount of detail/work in the video linked below is not required. But the point of showing the video is to use that information as a starting point; ie: do we go that far, and if not, how far do we have to go, and how best to go about it??
Here it is:
So basically looking for people to share their expert opinions based on their experience/training to answer these basic questions as it relates to preparation of the 1FZFE block deck prior to installation of a new HG:
1) How smooth (surface finish RA) does the deck need to be for a Composite (OEM) head gasket versus a MLS (multi-layer steel) gasket?
2) How does the average person (without a $2000 contact surface roughness profilometer) determine the finish of the deck?
3) If the deck is not smooth (commonly seen corrosion pitting for example) what tools/techniques can be used to get it where we want it without causing more damage?
4) And what techiniques/tools should not be used (steel or brass wire wheel, fine versus course wire, Roloc pads, 3M Scotch Bright pads Red versus Green #96---)?
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