Warped Block ?

[randerson165]

I've had some work done and I believe my head is warped. I'm putting on a new head next weekend. I seem to be leaking fluid from where the head meets the block. When the work was being done, the car would overheat over 4K rpm's and went thru a few head gaskets.

My question is, what are the chances of the block actually being warped. I'm going to put a good head on and I don't want to have to replace the block. I've heard its pretty hard to damage the block except for cracks and what not. I just need some input. What would you guys do if you were in my situation. Besides taking a baseball bat and finding the guy who did my engine work !!!

 

[liquid00meth]

it's more likely that your head was not planed properly, so now it doesn't form the correct seal between the block/HG/head. However, depending how often and how severely your car overheated, it certainly is a possibility that the block got mashed a bit.

 

[randerson165]

As soon as my temp gauge started to move, I would pull over, let it cool down and add more antifreeze or water !!! So it didn't get too too Hot, at least I dont' think and assuming my temp gauge was accurate.

 

[liquid00meth]

OEM temp gagues suck. They tell you either "hot" or "not hot". Not exactly an exact science.

 

[randerson165]

so would you recommend an aftermarket temp guage ? if so what brand ? would it be a good idea to get an oil temp gauge too ?

 

[lsvtec]

A Helms manual (like the one we have linked in the General Tech Section) will tell you how to measure your block for warpage.

 

[randerson165]

I have a helms manual !!! Don't Laugh...

Where do I look to learn about the warpage info ?

 

[lsvtec]

It should be in the section about disassembly/reassembly of the engine, specifcally the part that talks about block inspection.

Or Here:
http://www.honda.co.uk/owner/civicmanual/pdf/7-12.pdf

 

[randerson165]

so a little warpage is ok ? as long as it is no more than .10 mm ? I'm gonna kill the person that worked on my engine if I take the head off to find that I have a warped block !!!

 

[lsvtec]

I didn't read the page at all, if that is the acceptable limit in the Helms then yeah. .1mm is fine.