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Head surface scratch question (pics)

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Old Mar 20, 2005 | 06:58 AM
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Default Head surface scratch question (pics)

So I have a VERY small scratch on one of my heads. If it was in any other place I wouldn't think twice about it. Anyway, this is a very close up pic and it is accentuated by the flash quite a bit. In reality it is less than .001" across and less than that deep. I would guess <.0005" deep. I can *barely* feel it with my finger nail. Anyway the rest of the head surface is damn near mirror polished. So whattya think?
Attached Thumbnails Head surface scratch question (pics)-scratch.jpg   Head surface scratch question (pics)-headsport.jpg  
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Old Mar 20, 2005 | 07:07 AM
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Put it together
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Old Mar 20, 2005 | 07:09 AM
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Is that right by a valve? Try laying a gasket over it to see how much if any is under the gasket. I don't think it'll be that big of a deal if it's a slight as you say. I'm NOT the resident expert on LS1's but on an old SBC I probably would'nt worry too much but I would like to see it with the gasket though.
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Old Mar 20, 2005 | 07:33 AM
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Sandpaper slightly around that and you'll better see how deep it actually is. From the pic it looks as it should be fine.
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Old Mar 20, 2005 | 07:37 AM
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Well with the graphite gasket it is 95% covered. With the GM MLS 5.7 gasket it is completely covered as it comes right up to the combustion chamber.

I don't know.....I may be good just mixing up some JBweld and wipe my finger across the scratch and wipe up excess. The miniscule amount needed to fill would stay in the scratch.
Attached Thumbnails Head surface scratch question (pics)-graphite.jpg   Head surface scratch question (pics)-mls.jpg  
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Old Mar 20, 2005 | 07:39 AM
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Originally Posted by pekkaz
Sandpaper slightly around that and you'll better see how deep it actually is. From the pic it looks as it should be fine.
What grit? I am leary of sanding my heads. I am thinking an aluminum polish might even take it out...hehe.

If the pic looks fine then it probably is....cause the pic makes it look a lot worse with the flash.
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Old Mar 20, 2005 | 07:42 AM
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Sounds like the plan. That one should be ok. I have one cylinder sleeved and it's dropped ~.0015 below deck but graphite gaskets are still holding... H/C N/A.
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Old Mar 20, 2005 | 07:48 AM
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How 'bout some really fine scotch brite pad? very mild not at all agressive either that or try some 1000 grit and polish like you said but I would probably leave it alone.
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Old Mar 20, 2005 | 10:40 AM
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never sand on a head like that if u sand them it should only be on a head surfacer that will sand the whole surface and not one spot. if u sand that it just makes more problems, u will have a low spot u might not have the right RA finish on it, which altimatley affects how the gasket will seal. i would just leave it alone its not bad at all, dont complicate the problem
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Old Mar 20, 2005 | 12:35 PM
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Ya it's not a good idea to sand it off completely... just slightly so the material sticking above deck around the scratch is removed. That usually makes the scratch look worse than it is.
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