Check to see if cylinder head has been milled?

[Stephen B.]

How do you check to see if a cylinder head has been milled? The #186 heads are currently on my '70 350/350 car. Is there a measurement from the bottom of the head to the top where the valve cover attaches? Or must you have the head off and check the size of the combustion chamber?

Thanks,

Stephen

[Joe L.]

Re: Check to see if cylinder head has been milled?

How do you check to see if a cylinder head has been milled? The #186 heads are currently on my '70 350/350 car. Is there a measurement from the bottom of the head to the top where the valve cover attaches? Or must you have the head off and check the size of the combustion chamber?

Thanks,

Stephen

Stephen------


With the head mounted on the engine I know of no way to do what you ask. Even with the head off the engine it can be difficult if what you want to know is how much it's been milled. You can tell if it's been milled easily by looking for "circular" broach marks.

[Stephen B.]

Re: Check to see if cylinder head has been milled?

Thanks Joe

[Joe L.]

Re: Check to see if cylinder head has been milled?

Thanks Joe

Stephen------


By the way, reduction in combustion chamber volume is not the only thing that results from cylinder head milling. The bigger issue is the angularity problem that can be created between the cylinder head and intake manifold. This can result in vacuum leakage or oil burning problems since it can be very hard to seal with gaskets.

In any event, both of the above problems created by any cylinder head milling can be compensated for by the installation of thicker composition type head gaskets or the use of copper "spacers" such as Fel Pro 7733SP.

[Stephen B.]

Re: Check to see if cylinder head has been milled?

Thanks Joe. I always appreciate your answers.