We have been working to repair a blown head gasket on my son's stock 94 Z28 LT1. We found a small gouge in the cylinder wall in the same cylinder where a small piece of the metal ring on the head gasket was missing. I am guessing that the gasket piece got pulled into the cylinder and ended up making the mark on the wall.

The defect is about 5mm across. It doesn't *seem* very deep, but I can feel it with my finger and my fingernail will catch on it if I scratch across it.

What might happen if we just left it as-is? What options are there for repairing it?

I appreciate any suggestions. Here is a photo of it... the defect I am speaking of is at the center of the picture.

 

I would not rebuild for that.

 

Should be fine gouges are not good but, you shouldnt have a problem with somethin like that

 

I would imagine that a pit like that over time will cause ring damage...

 

I wouldn't bother with it.

 

Just not the cylinder and do a leak down from time to time to ensure you dont get some funky ring wear. Then you will know if there is really a problem.

 

I'm sure a machine shop could work with that if they had to. Might want to start saving up for a block to do a stockish rebuild, shouldn't be more than $100 for one.

 

Thanks all... your input has been very helpful! I think I will leave it as it is and periodically do a leak down test on that cylinder to watch for possible problems with the rings.

Thanks again.
Troy

 

Since it's not ground up and down, looks to me like it's been there since new and even if not will work fine with no wierd ring problems.I've ran much worse