Cylinder Head Skimming (Resurfacing)
Head skimming machines a thin layer off the cylinder head face so it is perfectly flat again before a new head gasket is fitted.
What is Cylinder Head Skimming (Resurfacing)?
It is common after overheating has warped the head. Only a limited amount can be removed, set by the manufacturer. A pressure test checks the head for cracks first. On overhead-camshaft engines the camshaft bores must also be checked for alignment. Engineering shops record how much was removed for future reference.
How it works
A milling or grinding machine removes metal until the gasket face is flat within tolerance.
Why it matters for your car
Removing material raises the compression ratio slightly and may need a thicker gasket. Some heads cannot be skimmed at all and must be replaced.
Other terms
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- Airbag
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- Brake Assist
- Car Loan
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- Engine Code
- Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)
- Fuel Consumption (l/100 Km, Mpg)
- Fuel Level Sensor
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- High-voltage Service Disconnect
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- Smart Charging (Alternator Control)
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