Machine head with Camshaft still attached?

jode · 07-26-2008, 05:49 PM

To make a long story short, my wife turned a pinhole leak in the lower radiator hose into a full head gasket job. (93 metro 1.0L) I have 2 questions:

1) What are the chances the block is warped as well as the head?

2) The camshaft/distributor base/valves/lifters, etc are all still attached to the head. Will the machine shop machine the head with all that stuff on it or do I need to take it off. I am a little hesitant to remove it because right now everything is all aligned and ready to go right back into place with the engine at TDC and drive away. Or do I need to bite the bullet and remove the camshaft?

Johnny Mullet · 07-26-2008, 08:07 PM

Any good machine shop should be able to remove the cam, lifters, valves, etc, but for an extra charge. As long as the head is off, I highly suggest replacing the exhaust valves since these are known to burn out at a little over 100K.

These little engines are tougher than you think. As long as the engine did not get so hot as to make it quit running, it should be fine.

jode · 07-27-2008, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny Mullet

These little engines are tougher than you think. As long as the engine did not get so hot as to make it quit running, it should be fine.

Apparently, it quit running once - she restarted it and drove it more until it quit again. I guess I'll go ahead and try the HG and see if it will be OK.
Thanks for the tips