Oversize head gasket

[KELLEY BLACKBURN]

I just did a valve job on a motor and I was getting ready to put the head back on and I checked the pistons and they extend above the block surface about .008. Is this a concern because in les andrews book he states that if the pistons are above the block surface you need to use an oversize head gasket.

 

[1930artdeco]

Mine go way above that and I used a stock B gasket.

Mike

 

[Marco Tahtaras]

I wonder why they are so low. Normal is about .031" if the block has never been decked. With that said, it depends on the bore size. The simple solution to determine if there is an issue is to simply check the fit of the gasket which should ALWAYS be done regardless. Place the gasket on the head surface to be sure it's appropriate for the head being used. Then place it on the block and check for adequate clearance around each of the cylinders.