head gasket thickness

[bmoore]

So I picked up a reconditioned cylinder head. The gasket that it had in there before was a two hole. The cylinder head is machined I obviously have no idea how much was taken off. The shop I bought it off told me to put a three hole gasket just in case. Any thoughts on this. Also I only have one locator on the block to locate the cylinder head is this normal. Sorry if I am being over cautious here but this is the second time I have had it off because I did not get the head pressure tested. nothing like learning the hard way

[vwnut20]

Feeling your pain brother,  I've had my head off a few times already and got the head planed twice.  I opted to used a thicker headgasket the last time it was off.  Not much of change really.  I think you'll be fine with the 3 hole.  Has for the locator, one better than none.  Mine where lost by the engine builder that I dealt with.  So what I'm currentlty using are 2 old head bolt with there heads cut off or you can use wooden dowels (I think your looking for 3/8" in dia).  Thread one in the furthest bottom corner and the other in the upper corner hole.  This procedure is in the Bentley manual.  Set your headgasket down and clamp on that head nice and tight.

Good Luck, and I hope you have better luck than I!!!!

[745 turbogreasel]

which head gasket has nothing to do with head machining.  YOu measure piston projection above the deck at each cylinder.  the highest one determines  HG thickness.

[Bludodger]

I agree with turbogreasel...

Unless you change blocks or  the PO/Mechanic that replaced HG replaced with the wrong thickness...I would just go with what was already on there. The head has absolutely nothing to do with the proper gasket thickness.

To be absolutely sure just measure piston projection and go from there.

I have heard of lazy mechanics automatically swapping in 3 Hole gaskets. So be careful.

[saurkraut]

You might as well buy head studs now too.

They're a little more than new streach bolts, but the studs are reusable.

The studs also do an excellent job of guiding the head onto the block.

[bmoore]

Thanks for all your input!!! I actually put a three hole in it. If I had of not been so impatient and checked the forum I might of reconsiderd. In my manual there is only a .0015" tolerance for the two hole gasket and about .005" for the one and three hole this is what was the deciding factor for me. Anyway it runs great. My fan still runs constantly though? Changed the thermo switch think it might be the relay under the coolant resevoir that has been soaked so many times due to the headgasket etc issues.