Disco_Mikey wrote:

With a cylinder head skimmed, it moves the valves closer to the pistons. A thicker gasket accounts for this removal of material

OK, this is where things get interesting... Disco_Mikey I won't be getting the head skimmed, does this change things?

I will probably be putting a 2nd hand head on though. Would this require me to measure (what and how) to determine the thickness of new gasket I require? I do have access to some precision engineering tools that should aid in this measuring process?  RRS 2.7 HSE Stornoway Grey
P38 4.6 HSE V8

Would this be the way to go for head gasket choice?

Click image to enlarge

DerrekL wrote:

Disco_Mikey wrote:

With a cylinder head skimmed, it moves the valves closer to the pistons. A thicker gasket accounts for this removal of material

OK, this is where things get interesting... Disco_Mikey I won't be getting the head skimmed, does this change things?

I will probably be putting a 2nd hand head on though. Would this require me to measure (what and how) to determine the thickness of new gasket I require? I do have access to some precision engineering tools that should aid in this measuring process?

Yes. The head surface must be absolutely flat for the gasket to seal correctly, a skim does this perfectly...

You will need to measure your current head, compare that with your replacement head, and measure the piston heights to identify the correct gasket

Then post up your reg number, or the last 6 digits of your chassis number

The 'Gasket Selection Table' I just posted doesn't mention anything about measuring the heads, it only mentions more the piston protrusion and to go with that measurement to decide the gasket option, is what I was thinking, is that not true?

What do you mean by measure the original head and replacement head. What points of the head do I measure? and where do those measurements fit into the equation?

I thought it was just the bottom end pistons that I would have to hand crank until they reached the top of their/each cycle then measure the piston protrusion to determine gasket thickness. RRS 2.7 HSE Stornoway Grey
P38 4.6 HSE V8

The thicker gasket compensates the amount taken off by skimming

yes I get that, no probs in working that one out but as no skimming involved here just replacement head put straight on. What you said previously was measure the head and replacement head, but at what points are they measured? RRS 2.7 HSE Stornoway Grey
P38 4.6 HSE V8

...DM I'm still not sure what I should be measuring on the head, mating face of head to top of valve maybe?


Probably time to get a replacement head or two. Things to note when buying a replacement head?

The only number I see on my LH head is PM 4R8Q-6C064

Does this have to be stamped on the heads I buy or could this be a different number?  RRS 2.7 HSE Stornoway Grey
P38 4.6 HSE V8

I put a jag head on mine so I guess it's not that fussy lol

Cheers Andy, yes know what you mean but since I'm going to all this effort thought I would try and find out what other folks have done in a similar situation.  RRS 2.7 HSE Stornoway Grey
P38 4.6 HSE V8

If you are going to all this effort, is it not worth doing the job correctly?

A light skim at the very least to ensure a perfectly flat sealing surface...

Yes that would indeed be an option, remembering I have never taken on this scale of job before and only taking advice and using own savvy into the mix and the general consensus was that peeps who have done this job before have opted not to skim head.

This said Mikey I do appreciate all the advice given and would be grateful if you could recommend engineering shops you or anyone else may have used before (preferably up here in Jock land) so I could investigate further if I decide to go down the skim head route. Cheers...  RRS 2.7 HSE Stornoway Grey
P38 4.6 HSE V8

Anyone used or heard of this make:
Victor Reinz
...looking to buy head gasket(s) and head bolts.

Or any other recommendations?  RRS 2.7 HSE Stornoway Grey
P38 4.6 HSE V8

Disco_Mikey wrote:

If you are going to all this effort, is it not worth doing the job correctly?

Thanks for parts advice Andy. I should be ordering some of what I need over the weekend.  RRS 2.7 HSE Stornoway Grey
P38 4.6 HSE V8

you probably want to download an engine manual.

e.g citroen, jaguar or landrover
to give you the headbolt tightening sequence, torque and angle tightening. (the later I did in two stages for ease)