Cylinder head grind

[fargo52]

More mystery ???can anyone tell me why cylinder number 3,4 and 6 would  have these grind marks on it. 

[fargo52]

[Jerry Roberts]

I am going to guess that the casting was a little rough and they used a grinder on it at the factory . 

[fargo52]

I guess that's what they called port and polished back then . 

[Plymouthy Adams]

probably more in the line of CCing to balance the combustion chambers

[fargo52]

What's a safe measurement to plane off the head if its original I just want to clean it up ,and is there a measurement for an original head thickness that I could confirm before I plane this one . 

[fargo52]

Mine in 1.94" 

[NiftyFifty]

In reality all you can do is ask it to be made straight, which means they will take the bare minimum to ensure its flat.  Don't be too worried about the amount, they took 1/16th off mine to get it right, but it doesn't really hurt, as long as you use a good new headgasket and some copper spray.  You can likely get a shim if you really needed, but I wouldn't worry...just a little more compression and more power

 

As for the combustion chamber grind...I cleaned mine up too, should help shed heat better

Edited November 21, 2016 by 4mula-dlx

[Don Coatney]

This head measured 1.930 but I have no idea if it has ever been molested.

 

Here is a head milling chart that may or may not be useful.

[PT81Jan]

"... why cylinder number 3, 4 and 6 would  have these grind marks on it.... ?"

"...What's a safe measurement to plane off the head..."

In doubt: You could gauge each cylinder with oil (gasket and cylinder head mounted). So you could get an answer to both questions.
First: If all volumes are nearly the same, it might be that someone has grinded those which had less volume as Plymouthy Adams assumed.

Second you can determine the compression ratio and would be able to assess how much material can be miled off the heads surface.

A bit more elaborate, but quite accurate if you want to do it in a save way. If only slightly uneven, I only would mill it after feeling. I think a good engine builder /machine shop can advice.

Edited November 21, 2016 by PT81Jan

[55 Fargo]

15 hours ago, fargo52 said:

Mine in 1.94" 

Most likely never cut, cut .050 and call it good...

[NiftyFifty]

The only reason you mill the head is to make it flat and true on the mounting surface (performance reasons aside) so your at the mercy of what the machine shop needs to do to make that straight..that's why mine was so severe, that's what it needed to be true again.  Don't take enough, and you've wasted your time and $

[fargo52]

Ok movin on to a new topic thanks for the good advise  . I need a new timing chain and gears , local auto store quoted $350 any other options ??? 

[NiftyFifty]

You try Rockauto for parts?

[Dennis46PU]

2 hours ago, fargo52 said:

Ok movin on to a new topic thanks for the good advise  . I need a new timing chain and gears , local auto store quoted $350 any other options ??? 

About $150 from Robert's plus shipping from what I saw.

[55 Fargo]

6 hours ago, Dennis46PU said:

About $150 from Robert's plus shipping from what I saw.

Plus USD/CDN exchange and shipping, He should be able to save $100 though

[55 Fargo]

9 hours ago, fargo52 said:

Ok movin on to a new topic thanks for the good advise  . I need a new timing chain and gears , local auto store quoted $350 any other options ??? 

Try Norm at Mid Canada 1-204-475-3399

[fargo52]

OK thanks for the supplier info I will call some of these guys tomorrow and locate a chain/set . Talked to a local shop and was quoted 250 to plane(true) my head and  int/egh manifold I think that's legit ??? 

[55 Fargo]

1 minute ago, fargo52 said:

OK thanks for the supplier info I will call some of these guys tomorrow and locate a chain/set . Talked to a local shop and was quoted 250 to plane(true) my head and  int/egh manifold I think that's legit ??? 

Forget that ridiculous price, try the engine builders in Winnipeg, I was quoted 80-100 bucks to machine a head , or do you mean both the head and manifolds. If yes, that is not too bad I guess

Try phoning Norm in Winnipeg on the timing chain set too. I don't know what he has but he may have US or Canadian made and/or NOS

[fargo52]

$250 for everything head and intake egh manifold , he said he would plane it not belt sand it like some shops do . 

[55 Fargo]

2 minutes ago, fargo52 said:

$250 for everything head and intake egh manifold , he said he would plane it not belt sand it like some shops do . 

Well if you feel it's a fair price go for it. Are you rebuilding the 218 or just doing a timing chain and gaskets?

Are you doing rings and/or a valve job?

Or if you had a 250 or 265 running I would go with that. The 218 is least amount in the HP department.....

[austinsailor]

22 minutes ago, fargo52 said:

OK thanks for the supplier info I will call some of these guys tomorrow and locate a chain/set . Talked to a local shop and was quoted 250 to plane(true) my head and  int/egh manifold I think that's legit ??? 

cost $40 each here at my shop. He does them all day long.

 

[fargo52]

I will repair all the leaks in the original 218 and rebuild one of the 251 engines that I have for a later date .

[NiftyFifty]

Nice thing is, you can use the head off your 218, and the exh/int manifolds as well...even the timing chain set if you want...everything is a direct fit 

[fargo52]

I actually never thought of that but I definitely will be able to reuse the work .