Topic: Quick Head Gasket Question

[jakec]

Two quick Q's...

1. The head gasket bows in the middle when installed. It's caused by the two dowels at the front of the cylinder. If I made the holes in the gasket slightly larger, it would sit flat. My question is if I should bother modifying the gasket or use as is?

2. My dirty finger got some oil or grime on the gasket which I tried to wipe off with acetone, but it smeared. The gasket is dry and "clean" but it's stained now. Just wondering if this would be a problem.

[69cb750]

1. The head gasket bows in the middle when installed. It's caused by the two dowels at the front of the cylinder. If I made the holes in the gasket slightly larger, it would sit flat. My question is if I should bother modifying the gasket or use as is?

Does gasket bow cause it is bowed or does gasket bow cause of the pins ?
Press gasket flat between dowels with piece of wood and see what happens (or report here).

[jakec]

It is brand new and was flat when I pulled it out of the package. If you push it flat between the dowels it will just push the wavy area someplace else.

If I used a dremel and shaved off 1mm in the red highlighted area it would sit flat. (actually I highlighted the wrong side of the gasket but you get the idea)

[69cb750]

I would modify gasket.

[jakec]

Sanding wheel on dremel ok? It's pretty thick so I don't think I can make a clean cut with an exacto knife given the shape of the cut I need to make. Also no concern about the grease stain?

[69cb750]

Also no concern about the grease stain?

I have no concern about the grease stains, I've had lots of them.
I recently sanded my shop floor with #220 wet dry, looks better now.