I recently removed the cylinder head off my non HO straight 6 4.0L motor. The head was removed to replace the valve stem seals. I took the head apart and took it to a machine shop to hot tank it. The machinist there told me I should have the head refinished before reinstalling. I don't think it is needed, however if I had blown a head gasket then I would refinish the head for sure. What do you guys think?

 

It wouldn't hurt. I would at least have them check it out to make sure that you have a straight flat surface.

 

What are your funds and costs?

 

I have no money and this is not a daily driver. Thinking of replacing the head bolts but not sure yet, any thoughts on those?

 

If you have no money then put it back together and don't worry about it. But money should be spent on cleaning up the valves to help compression. Checking for flatness is a given, resurfacing only if necessary.

 

Thanks for the info! I think I will save some pennies to have the head checked and refinished if necessary, with new vves and bolts. I got a quote for $172 to refinish and clean up the head. With that, maybe I'll take time to fix some other odds and ends in the mean time.

 

wow, here i found a guy thet will do the head for $50 and i have had one done in the past by him so i know he is good