I was wondering if these red parts on the block are something I should worry about. The cylinders are going to be honed tomorrow but the parts that worry me the most are the top parts between cylinders. The engine is a 1997 B20B with everything stock and has never overheated on me.

 

Possible low spot? Have you checked if the deck and head are flat within spec?

 

Is that oil that is just baked on from high mileage? I've seen this in engines that tend to have high mileage before...did you do a compression test prior to disassembling could have told you if it was leaking? Regardless you could always have the machine shop check the straightness of the head and block for peace of mind.

 

Yes a compression test was done and cylinders 2/3 were lower than 1/4. The numbers were 170, 155, 155, 170 for 1-4. Also did a leak down test and confirm that the rings were bad. A little bit of water did get into the engine a while ago as well.

Another question I have is regarding the head gasket. I took the head to a machine shop and i got a head gasket from them and they told me to try and see if it fits. all the holes line up but the holes for the pistons are smaller as if its meant for a B18 no B20. Also the water holes end up on top of the edges of the cylinder wall and only have a small opening for where the coolant actually is. The owner of the machine says its probably for a B20 but he isnt sure, he said I can return it if it doesnt fit.

Anyone know where I can get a head gasket ASAP so I can rebuild engine. I have the part number from old head gasket but nothing comes up on Google and dealer says they cant help since they go by VIN#. Number on head gasket is P8RA77091.

 

Everyone has their fav head gaskets... I'd probably recommend an OEM one, but I haven't had any issues with Fel Pro. I prefer rock-auto. Inexpensive, fast, reasonable shipping. Just my personal preference.

FYI, if you replace that head gasket and either the deck or head aren't flat, it'll just blow again. Also, if you don't replace the head bolts you can't expect it to hold the correct amount of torque.

 

i have new head bolts and the head was shaved. the machine shop managed to have a cometic gasket that fit exactly

 

Do you have any news as you say you have the proper head gasket now? Also you said the head was shaved but did you also check the straightness of the block just for peace of mind?
+1 for needing to replace the head bolts also ...old ones are already stretched and might not be able to provide proper sealing.

 

Yea so far I've bee. DriVing for 420 miles not one problem Engine wise. Only thing is ecu needs a tune. I checked best I could on how straugh the block was and it seemed ok. Head needed a valve adjustment to run better and it's all good now.