Info required on Mk2 1.8 Gti Digi head

[jaybv6]

I recently removed my head from my GTi as some of the exhaust studs had snapped off causing the blowing from the exhaust.  once the head was off I was having it decoked, the valve stem oils seals renewed and the valves lapped back in.  When my mate checked the head using a traight edge he said that there was a slight dip in the middle of the head.  Not significant the gap was very minute.  I have another head which I know is warped and the gap on that head is nearly 3 times the size of mine.  Just wonderd if anyone had noticed the same on a good head?  Will I have an issue in the future?  The gap is so small that I belive once the head gasket is on and the head bolted down it should not cause any issues.

Bear in mind that the Car did not smoke at all, which is good seeing as it's done 180,000 miles.  Just wanted to see if anyone else had noticed this?

Any help would be appreciated.

[NewStu]

I dont know if this is normal or abnormal but if your concerned get the head skimmed or faced a little to remove the dip.

[jaybv6]

Cheers.  My mate mate says it shouldn't be a problem as it didn't smoke before however jsut interested as I know there may be a few out there with good heads already off their cars that could check them.  My budget doesn't quite stretch to a skim but if it's necessary I'll get it done.

[NewStu]

Shouldent cost much more than 20 or 30 quid.

[jaybv6]

Shouldent cost much more than 20 or 30 quid.

It's nearer £80-£100 for a decent job.

[rubjonny]

i recommend u get it done anyway for piece of mind

[jaybv6]

i recommend u get it done anyway for piece of mind

Johnny, too true.  However I might just fit and find out.  If it needs doing I'll just whip it off and send it to be done at a later date.  All it will cost me is the price of a new gasket and the cost of the head work.

[VWDino]

80-100 quid! Surely not! Cost 25 I think for my 1.6 head and surely theres no difference. A good job? I'm sure they just fit the head into a rig and mill the bottom flat. Please correct me if I'm wrong though.

[jaybv6]

80-100 quid! Surely not! Cost 25 I think for my 1.6 head and surely theres no difference. A good job? I'm sure they just fit the head into a rig and mill the bottom flat. Please correct me if I'm wrong though.

If I have it done I'll get the Valve stem replaced and the valves recut and head sorted properly.  I'm not just having a skim, might as well do it properly if I'm gonna have it done.

[Thom89]

Get it skimmed!!  Prevention is better than cure, if your head gasket goes after a track day pasteing, youll end up paying twice, and still getting it skimmed! a warped head cannot be tightened down properly, leaving weak points on the gasket  £30-50 seems seems to be going rate in my area, depending on the amount of machining that is required..
Tom