Does this need to be decked?
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 282
Likes: 83
TBH I think I'd invest it. Those dimples are putting a lot of faith in a head gasket. It's good they're that close to the edge but almost half that sealing surface between cylinder and edge is compromised in that area. I'd spring for the hunny
Last edited by mac.motorworks; Feb 9, 2026 at 12:37 PM.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,267
Likes: 5,822
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Do it now because the block is out of the truck, already apart and at the machinist. Think about how you will feel if you do not do it and the headgasket lets go after it is back together and back in the truck. $100 bucks is cheap insurance to know, that area will not be a problem. Kinda like buy once, cry once.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 34
From: S/W Virginia
Well, I talked earlier to the machinist and he said it should be fine. You all have me doubting the decision now, haha. I guess $100 isn't much. Costs do add up fast though.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 282
Likes: 83
I also believe that your machinist is looking for a yes/no so that if you say leave it, (and then it fails) he'll say ... "well I asked if you wanted it done and you said no" ...it's a reasonable question for him to throw to you
Last edited by mac.motorworks; Feb 9, 2026 at 02:45 PM.
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Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,860
Likes: 2,622
From: The Shenandoah Valley
I would not deck mine over anything I see in that picture.
I would do what I've always done without ever having a failure. Clean the block & head surfaces, look for serious damage, check for flatness, prep my head gaskets with a first coat of High Heat Aluminum Engine Enamel (aluminum has powdered aluminum in it). When dry, I'd apply a second coat, let it at least dry to touch too, then put them on followed by the heads, and torque them down.
I don't care what kind of head gaskets, that's what I do and to this day, never have I had a failure.
You don't know me, so do as you decide.
I would do what I've always done without ever having a failure. Clean the block & head surfaces, look for serious damage, check for flatness, prep my head gaskets with a first coat of High Heat Aluminum Engine Enamel (aluminum has powdered aluminum in it). When dry, I'd apply a second coat, let it at least dry to touch too, then put them on followed by the heads, and torque them down.
I don't care what kind of head gaskets, that's what I do and to this day, never have I had a failure.
You don't know me, so do as you decide.
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