Cylinder head gasket replacement ....

[Por911t4]

My '66 230 just wasn't running as it should …. slow to pull away, underpowered and just generally unhappy. So head off and the gasket is in a poor state (stuck down with Hylomar to cover an uneven surface), there is play in the valve guides and the valve seats are also in a poor state. Not the best news but good that we've found some issues. Also going to renew the timing chain and guides etc. in addition were going to fit electronic ignition . So really looking to get it tip top for next summer as this summer is slowly slipping away ...

[Cees Klumper]

Good going - if the timing chain is worn, you will pick up power right there due to better engine timing. Can recommend the 123 ignition, go with that, and that is another improvement. Sounds like the machine shop will be looking to skim the head if it's uneven, make sure it can handle it, thickness-wise.

[Por911t4]

Thanks Cees,

Great input thanks ! The head appears to be original which is a good thing (ie not previously skimmed). The electronic ignition seems the right thing and Im glad you can vouch for it. Here's hoping for some driving improvements once complete !

Many thanks again
Regards Barry

[ja17]

Looks like it might have had the wrong head gasket on it also?

[Benz Dr.]

Looks like it might have had the wrong head gasket on it also?

Not sure where you see that but I would be inclined to pull the engine and have the whole block boiled out. It looks like it's chock full of rust.  Sometimes there's no cheap or easy answers.

Remember; there's never enough time to do something right but there's always lots of time to do it over again. 

[MikeSimon]

Joe may have something there. The pattern that the head gasket left on the block looks somewhat like a cross between 'oval" and "square" gasket.

[mrfatboy]

Can you post a picture of the gasket?