[ljjjrome]

There was some sort of small metal object that fell into the engine, as a result, the head now has nicks in the flat quench area where this piece of metal was squished between the piston and the head. The nicks are about 1/16" deep.

1. How do I get this area flat? I don't want to take a grinder to it and accidentally gouge it.

2. How do I fill the nicks? I know epoxy is used for the valve area, but is it ok for the combustion chamber or do I need to get it tig welded?

Thanks,
Jerome

[Speedshift_Sam]

If the knicks have sharp, raised edges, go in with a 3/8" drill and a small rounded nose rotary file to knock the tips off. Then go in with a tig welder or a torch burning hydrogen (Mind you, you'll have to flux the rod if you use a torch.) to fill the knicks. Then go back in with the rotary file to smooth it back out. Do not use epoxy in the chamber, it won't last long, and then you'll be stuck with the same problem all over again. How are the valve seats?

[eloc431962]

Can you post some pics of the damage so we can see what we are working with. You could take it to a local machine shop shouldnt cost very much to repair if you dont want to attempt it yourself jus a thought. Cole

[cobalt327]

Originally Posted by ljjjrome

How do I fill the nicks? I know epoxy is used for the valve area, but is it ok for the combustion chamber or do I need to get it tig welded?

If you choose to fill them, TIG would be how to go about it, I'd imagine. They'll need to be decked to remove any warpage and to smooth the repaired area.

The repair work should be done by a well qualified shop w/plenty of experience in this field- not the local vo-tech or Joe's Welding and Well Digging Shop.

I'd be tempted to just smooth the edges so as to not form any hot spots and use them as-is. A lot depends on the severity of the dings, IMO.