Timing cover deck issue

[cyanide54]

Hey guys,

Looking for the help of people that know these motors really well. Not just opinions of those who aren't sure.

So I have my 7mgte out of car, just had it rebuilt by a shop that usually works with domestic v8's, ford motors in specific. I went to them because my buddy worked there for years and I have friends that have said nothing but good things about them. Everything looks good apart from one thing that I noticed which they may have accidentally overlooked. The front timing cover doesn't seem to be at the same deck height as the block. So I took a feeler gauge to it and it is 12 thou taller than the deck height of the block. I notified the shop, and the owner said they would gladly take the motor back and fix it. But I told him that I would dig a bit first and see if it is totally necessary. Now, from what I have read, everyone says get it decked with the block, but at only 12 thou would the new felpro stock head gasket not experience enough gasket crush to make a tight seal? Or should I delay my build and get it fixed?

 

[IJ.]

100% get it done, instant BHG otherwise.

 

[cyanide54]

Roger. Thanks for the quick reply!

 

[IJ.]

Very welcome!

 

[80083r]

what is the maximum deviation that a stock-type head gasket will compensate for, finish-wise?

Obviously .012" is as good as a mile - but where do we draw the line?

 

[IJ.]

Level...

 

[80083r]

So... +0/-0, then? I don't want to mislead anyone about what I'm asking - so I'll take it to another thread.

 

[Dan_Gyoba]

If you want to know if they can just deck the cover without re-doing the block... that depends on the machine shop. You tell them that you need a gasket sealing surface. I don't think that the deck surface area of the timing cover is large enough for it to guarantee flatness with the block myself.

Can a stock type gasket crush/adjust for 0.001"? Probably, if it's relatively even, but I'd personally rather not take the chance.