I am getting my headgasket replaced as the dealer found it to be the culprit leaking oil. I read a couple posts where members had to have their cylinder head machined when they had their headgasket changed. However I read somewhere else that the head only needs to be machined if it is leaking coolant as a result of warpage.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

 

the head is most likely the one to warp.. but if you werent over heating.. im pretty sur eit was just a bad torque down on one of the headstuds...you can always ask them to mill it down

 

Thank you for the reply,

I'm not losing any coolant. Just leaking oil.

So very likely I willl not need the head or block machined?

 

bump, would anyone else know?

 

when replacing a head gasket, it's normally good practice to check for warpage using a precision straight edge on both the block and head mating surfaces. one of the main reasons for a blown head gasket is warping, but not always. if it's a reputable dealership/service department, they'll do that anyways. if not, you could be facing another head gasket replacement some time in the future.
peter

 

The dealer should follow the book on this repair, check the head and deck to be straight with no "out of tollerance" warpage and then install the new head gasket, or you could request to have the head milled but then their repairs might not be under warranty for the remainder of your factory warranty.

 

I have only 16 kms (10,000 miles) on my car.

I will ask the dealer if the head has to be machined when I take it in.

Thanks for the reply guys!

 

I just booked my appointment and the service rep said the head will have to go to a machine shop to be inspected and if necessary machined in case oil leaks some place else.
I'll let everyone know how it goes...

 

Personally, if I was doing the work I would mill for 100% cleanup, minimum stock removal. This would guarantee a good seal if the block is good. it sounds like the head received an uneven torque from the factory. I would also retorque the head after a few heat up/cooldown cycles.