Hey guys/gals. I bought a set of heads and received them a few weeks ago. I was looking at them today and noticed small knicks on the corner of one of the heads. I've read on here how certain scratches or knicks will not let a head sit flush on the block when installed. So, this may seem like a dumb question but does this head look ok to install as is or should it be cleaned up a bit? Thanks!

ps: i know it may seem like a dumb question but I'm a newb when it comes to this stuff. Oh and sorry for the crappy pics, camara phone is all Ive got.

 

i would file the bulge of those areas that extend downward (to the block) as flat as possible by hand and run it.
if you have a dremel a stone bit or otherwise will clean that up in about 5 seconds.

 

Yeah, it's those marks aren't really in any of the danger areas. You should be able to get away with just filing them smooth with the head surface. Just be careful as you work.

 

No dont install like that, you definately need to knock those dings off, as he stated use a file, be careful cause you are just tryin to get it flat, take too much off and thatll be a problem. A good slow filing, by hand, On just the dings until flat will work.

 

As others have stated, just file them smooth and they should work fine. Doesn't hurt to have a machine shop check them to make sure they aren't warped. I've ran into that a few times.

 

Thank you all for the great responses! I'll file them by hand and be extra careful as I go. Also, having them checked by a machine shop sounds like a good idea...thanks again.

 

Did some dumbshit actually ship you those heads in a box with shipping peanuts? I'd be going after the guy you bought them from.

 

I always have heads surfaced before putting them on. Worth my $50 to be certain they are smooth.

Head gaskets and head bolts are too expensive to do it over IMO.