three.. 3.0 Assembly Questions
 

Can I get a correct measurement when I do the Deck height ck if I do NOT install the rings first ??? (have the wrong tool ) and second, does the top of the cylinders need to be smooth,.or a little rough ,. mine are slightly rough,.and third..when I do the deck ck and I use my NEW head gasket will it get smashed,.or should I use and old one..
Thanks Frank

The rings won't directly affect the deck height obviously, but they do help hold the piston a bit. You may find that without them the piston can rock back and forth inside the cylinder bore and skew your measurements. I typically take measurements from the top, bottom, and sides, then average them together because the piston moves slightly. If I can can the same average after 3 trials, I call it good.

What area on the top of the cylinders are you referring to? The head mating surface? I can be slightly rough like a matte finish, but I would wonder abot a sanded or "textured" finish.

I use the new gaskets when check in the height... They may crush slightly, but I haven't had any sealing issues because of it.

Yea ,..I wanted to see how tight the deck height was ..I should install rings first to be safe..and yes the cylinder groove for the gasket seemed a little rough to the touch,.kind sharp when I run my fingers around them...Thanks Frank

Which engine are you talking about? I would be careful with the early gaskets - but the later ones can be placed in the groove with no problem...

-Wayne

Whoops, just re-read the post title - duh. Yes, the cylinder head gasket can be placed in the groove for deck height measurements with no problems...

-Wayne

I did the same "Duh" Wayne, thought he was asking about the base gaskets.. :)

Thanks a lot Gentlemen,...Frank

I wouldn't think it would make any difference if you install head gaskets (later CE type that is) when doing 'mock-up' assemblies for measuring etc. I say this because these head gaskets crush into the groove of the cylinder until the head makes contact with the cylinder. Not really adding any height to the assembly..

Ahh Ok I was curious as to how much crush was there once the gaskets were installed ...Thanks Frank