That shouldn’t be a problem. If it’s sticking out, you can smooth it with some sandpaper. A gasket usually handles small surface flaws between two parts. A scratch that small should be fine with the head gasket.
Honestly, that’s not a big issue. The gasket will handle it.
YukiJane said:
Honestly, that’s not a big issue. The gasket will handle it.
Also, those scratch marks are tiny, not much area affected, and it’s at a spot with strong, even bolt pressure.
That’s what the gasket is for!
Better get it redone or it might blow up into a million pieces.
Valen said:
Better get it redone or it might blow up into a million pieces.
Huge fireball.
Valen said:
Better get it redone or it might blow up into a million pieces.
Huge fireball.
Visible from space.
I scratched mine badly installing valve springs. It’s fine. You’re fine.
I’ve seen more flaws in factory-finished heads lol.
Haha.
When I saw it, I thought, ‘probably just go ahead.’ After reading about ej253 n/a no boost, definitely go ahead without worries.
I did the same thing by accident on my old bugeye WRX while replacing the shortblock. It sealed up fine and went another 30k miles before I sold it without any issues.
I’d run that all day. It’s right between two cylinders, nothing really there that’s been affected.
Speed hole.
Time to go bald.
Just go for it.
It’s completely messed up, no way you can do anything with this. Just give it to me.
Technically, if you’re using an MLS gasket, that’s now significantly out of spec. MLS gaskets need a certain deck smoothness. RA is measured in microns.
If you’re using a composite gasket (which isn’t ideal for the EJ because they’re picky), then that’s probably fine after a quick touch-up with a diamond or stone.
The truth is that an MLS would probably still work, you just need to understand that the repair wouldn’t be top quality, and there’s a chance for short-term failure.
If you don’t push the engine hard or don’t care if the engine/car lasts much longer, then I would run it.
If you do care, then there’s the unfortunate chance that the head was already milled to its minimum thickness and a second resurface won’t technically be possible.
If the heads were never resurfaced before, and the shop didn’t remove too much material for no reason, then they’re totally fine.