85 RED

[85 Red]

Hi I'm Travis Had my Bronco for a while but haven't ever really been into mechanics I actually refinish plaster and historic homes but looking to learn more about Ranger/ Bronco engines. I am in the process of having to have an engine installed the mechanic burned up mine blew a head gasket in his shop. I have been told that it's not ever a good idea to shave the heads because you don't really know how hot the engine got coulda burned up o rings etc. If anyone would share thoughts or give tip much appreciated.

 

[Rimjam]

'Shaved' heads is an old term hot rodders used to refer to milling the head's mating surface to the block to raise compression. Not done very often these days because horsepower is more easily obtained other ways. 'Resurfacing' heads that are no longer flat on their mating surface is fairly common but only a very few thousands are allowed to be removed due to tighter engine tolerances, more exotic metals and less 'meat' in the castings themselves. If your engine got so hot it blew a head gasket it probably does have other issues as well. Do you trust this mechanic? Is he going to fix it on his dime?

 

[85 Red]

'Shaved' heads is an old term hot rodders used to refer to milling the head's mating surface to the block to raise compression. Not done very often these days because horsepower is more easily obtained other ways. 'Resurfacing' heads that are no longer flat on their mating surface is fairly common but only a very few thousands are allowed to be removed due to tighter engine tolerances, more exotic metals and less 'meat' in the castings themselves. If your engine got so hot it blew a head gasket it probably does have other issues as well. Do you trust this mechanic? Is he going to fix it on his dime?

I think he's the type of owner mechanic that will lie if it means getting him out of a disaster but I think he can be used to do an install once the engine is rebuilt by another shop He has done a lot of work on my 2 trucks already and all good work except for this recent fatal disaster mainly due to the wrong order trying to not change things out like the radiator when it should have been changed and therm switch. There are no other mechanics around this area that can be trusted except for one that I know out in the country that is pretty high on pricing. I also have other dealings with him that are supposed to be starting, I am supposed to start a paintjob on his fairly large metal building so there are factors involved that are sort of a good amount to go into of which we can do some labor swapping.

 

[Rimjam]

You'll just have to go with your gut feelings. A pricey mechanic who is good & can be trusted is worth it. Vehicles these days are not 'shade tree' friendly so a knowledgeable/trustworthy person is a must. Are you a trustworthy painter?