CyborgGT

The H22 head I have has an intake manifold surface that looks as if it's been sanded on. There are slight scratches and dips, and I need to know if this surface can be re-done either through having it machined down flat or if material can be added back on and then leveled. I've taken the best photos I can to highlight the damaged areas (I think some of them might actually exaggerate what's going on), so please, anyone with professional machining experience, let me know what you think. The plan is to have Portflow do the machine work for my build, but I gotta know before I waste time & money sending it off.

Steven2013

use some silicon and a regular paper gasket, use the cheap gaskets with brand name silicon until youre sure it wont leak. i think as long as the RPMs stay with in normal range when idling it should be ok. make sure its not idling on the high side though, the possible leak would cause it to rev higher.

if your having port work done for the intake id just ask them to check it before the work is done to it, you might be out of some money for the shipping though. id say its worth it if you are sure this is the best head for your build.

what happened here is some one got lazy and used a wire wheel too fast to scrape the old gasket off.

slowcivic2k

The paper gasket will seal by itself. No need for any RTV or sealant. This type of finishing is common practice by technicians with an angle grinder and refinishing disc, usually the green type.

This is not always the case though, it depends on the gasket type and the surface being sealed. Since you use a paper gasket that will compress and fill the voids, you have no issues using it as is.

OneBadTurboCRV

Just because it is common doesn't even in the slightest make it right. It is a down and EXTREMELY dirty way of doing it. Normal sanding discs shouldn't EVER be used. They make ones that have fingers / bristles on them specifically for this job and for the material (aluminum).

OP - You need to actually do some checking yourself. Remove all the studs and put a straight edge on it in at least 3 different axis. Of course it can be welded up and machined back down. Depending on how bad it is it may be able to be machined straight without adding material. Pictures only show so much. This all assumes you want to do it right... if you are looking for a quick fix then use a paper gasket and if needed some HondaBond.

slowcivic2k

You obviously didn't read my post. A refinishing disc is not a sanding disc, it is a green bristle brush. Duh? Do you not see the debris? I am willing the bet that some of that is from a green Roloc disc from 3M........ ugh.

There is NOTHING and I mean NOTHING that would prevent an OE style seal from being achieved with the surface shown. This is not a head gasket surface and as such does not require .001" tolerances.

KevinEF7

Take onebadturbocrv's post with a load of salt, hes a bit of a drama queen that makes up stories and is telling you to do much more work than required.

As a machinist myself, the surface you posted honestly doesnt even need machining to flatten it, and is certainly useable and you should continue on with your build. A new gasket will seal perfectly without issue.

At the very most, and only to have a new looking mint head, you could remove the studs and have .003" or so cut off to ensure perfect flatness and a new looking surface, but you honestly dont need to even go that far. Ive seen much worse

CyborgGT

Thanks a lot for the responses, guys, I realize photos are hard to go off of. These engines are extremely rare to find in junkyards in my state, and would cost a bit from someone who knew what they had, lol. I'm definitely not wanting to do a "quick fix," especially since I've got a stiffer thermal gasket for it. Even though there's not a ton of pressure passing through the intake on all-motor, any kind of 'filler' would keep me nervous. I'm already spending enough on this build just trying to do it right the first time, and didn't want to shell out for shipping to and from, only to be told it's scrap metal. The general opinion in here looks to be a green light, so I'll go ahead and mail it once I have the rest of my top-end parts.

OneBadTurboCRV

LMFAO at all the butt hurt people in here. Especially the dipshit Kevin - just because YOU are the drama queen and have absolutely ZERO automobile knowledge, doesn't mean you should follow me around like the little punk *** troll you are looking for a shoulder to cry on.

KevinEF7

Bud keep making more accounts and more bs stories about which personality of yours is using your account this month

I guess Im not a machinist or a mechanic... but I am .. but not in your world

CyborgGT

Why my post count is <50 after four years of getting info from this site...

There's some great help here if you care to look deep enough and ignore the personal attacks, but the maturity level is frustrating.

OneBadTurboCRV

Been here since '99 - the good ole' days are looong gone. Kids these days are nothing but punks. Society is changing as fast as technology, and that is FAR from a good thing.

DCFIVER

Agreed. Typically newbie techs or those that are simply hacks use sanding or "refinishing"discs. They never should be used on aluminum.
While this would certainly eliminate any doubt,judging by the pictures,Id say it is unnecessary. The head does not look very bad.

slowcivic2k

You've got to be kidding me. I have some respect for you but you are quickly becoming unrealistic. Please tell me with your infinite wisdom do you use in this situation in a professional environment.

BTW, Dodge recommends a yellow Roloc disc to clear cylinder heads of old gasket material.

F22Master

Honda also.recommends the use of roloc disks for removal of gasket material from aluminum. What a bunch of hacks they must have writing their serice bulletins...

DCFIVER

Your respect means nothing to me. Thanks anyway.





I use a carbon scraper. It will not gouge the aluminum like a razor blade,will not file down the metal like a sanding disc will, and will not distribute debris,like the wire or plastic bristle brushes will.It is the only thing ANY machinist would reccomend and ANY competent automotive technician with experience....

DCFIVER

Really? What modern TSB or service procedure recommends using a roloc?

holmesnmanny

Never ever had an issue using the flat side of a razor blade to remove paper gasket material or hondabond. If you use the corner then yes it could gouge it which is why you use the long edge.

Once you get the correct technique and form down pat, the paper material comes right off like butter.

You just need high quality sharp blades, no Stanley Walmart brands ... stuff from Sears or Osh