Cylinder head rebuilding, what are the ins and outs?

[H.G.P.]

I have a dented up (heavily) #2 cylinder head (posted on the other forum), and would like to know some detail of a what compriises a "head rebuild" process.

I've done searching, and am interested in the following:

1. What is "deck" resurfacing mean?

2. What terminology should one use to describe damage to a head other than that of the valves? The reason I ask is the searches I've done so far, have mostly turned up descriptions of valves/valve stem "rebuild".

Thanks

[NevenM]

HGP

Deck resurfacing is skimmimng the head where it meets the cylinder, if you have a leaking head gasket it can erode the head and this needs to be removed. Reco ing heads usually means refacing the seats (They are good for at least one reface), guides and valves. There are clear specs valves, seats and guides but usually, seats can be refaced, valaves & guides usually need to be replaced.

HTH
Neven

[Henry Schmidt]

Heads are like any other part of a Porsche. There are things you should do as a matter of principle. Replacing valves is not one of them. The valves are high quality and unless they are out of spec are generally reusable.
The damaged head should be replaced. We probably have a good used head is stock. If you replace only one head it will be necessary to resurface all the heads so they have the same dimension.
Valve guides should be replaced as necessary but in fact generally are.
It is also a good idea to look closely at the exhaust studs while the heads are in your hands not installed on the engine.

[H.G.P.]

Thanks Henry.

[asphaltgambler]

As Henry stated and I just found out that the OE valves are better in quality than most any aftermarket valve. The OE's exhaust valves are even sodium filled. Unless you go to exotic metals like titanium the stock stuff is just plain better.

Go figure! Shows that once again those P-car engineers aren't stupid and there is real quality invested in their cars.

[john walker's workshop]

use a mic on the valve stems. they can be badly worn/tapered. that's the main reason valves need to be replaced. they rarely ever burn.