I need to buy a used head, and I'm wondering what I should look for when purchasing used. I guess I'd first check for obvious valve damage & cracked retainers. Can I check for warpage? How do I do that? How much (if any) is acceptable? What else should I look for?

 

Get a straight edge (metal ruler) and a torch. Use the torch to gauge if there is any warp by holding the edge of the ruler against the head an use the torch to try and shine light through the contact patch.

Check for any knocks or gouges in the area where the fire rings seal around the combustion chambers.

You can use the torch by shining it into the ports and looking around the valves to see if any are bent.

Good luck

Chris

 

And by "torch", you really mean "flashlight", right?


Thanks for the tips!

 

[QUOTE=mxt_77,May 31 2007, 08:08 AM]And by "torch", you really mean "flashlight", right?