Warped head shaving

Balthazar778 · June 22nd, 2018, 11:48 AM

Just bought an 07 for 200 dollars thinking it was a blown head gasket issue... Turns out it was a warped head, probably 0.020-0.030 out of square. Is it safe to shave it square that far without having valve clearance issues? Would the compression be too high?

Also, if anyone knows if it is possible to get a thicker gasket, that would solve my problems I think but I would just like some opinions.
Thanks!

DannoXYZ · June 22nd, 2018, 01:03 PM

Hi and Welcome!

Simplest would be stacking up thicker/multiple base-gaskets to make up for shaving.

Cometic makes single-layer gasket in 0.012" (C8828). They can probably custom make you multi-layer steel gasket in any thickness you want. Make sure both surfaces are smooth with RA around 30-60 max

Don't use copper gasket, it seals great for high-compression & boosted applications, but not for very long. Would require stronger head-studs with more clamping. It doesn't have spring-loaded feature of steel gaskets to accommodate regular minute head-lifting.

Racer x · June 22nd, 2018, 01:13 PM

That is to much to machine. A good machine shop can twist and heat the head and get some of The warp out. .019 is the service limit I think.

Triple Jim · June 22nd, 2018, 04:05 PM

Or find a cheap head on eBay.

Balthazar778 · June 22nd, 2018, 07:04 PM

Thanks, fellas. I really appreciate the advice. I think I may just take the easy route and get a cheap one off of eBay and save me some effort and maybe make the warped head a winter project.

DannoXYZ · June 22nd, 2018, 10:33 PM

Be sure to have block checked out as well. Deck should be flat. Make sure threads for head bolts are good and not stripped. Might be cause of original blown head-gasket and resultant warped head.

June 22nd, 2018, 11:48 AM	#1
Balthazar778 ninjette.org newbie Name: Thomas Location: Vero Beach FL Join Date: Jun 2018 Motorcycle(s): '07 Ninja 250r Posts: 2	Warped head shaving Just bought an 07 for 200 dollars thinking it was a blown head gasket issue... Turns out it was a warped head, probably 0.020-0.030 out of square. Is it safe to shave it square that far without having valve clearance issues? Would the compression be too high? Also, if anyone knows if it is possible to get a thicker gasket, that would solve my problems I think but I would just like some opinions. Thanks!

June 22nd, 2018, 01:13 PM	#3
Racer x ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Eric Location: Iowa City Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawmeracchi 350 2010 Project X Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 54 MOTM - Sep '18, Feb '16	That is to much to machine. A good machine shop can twist and heat the head and get some of The warp out. .019 is the service limit I think. __________________________________________________ Top speed 123.369mph. Ohio mile Worlds fastest 250 ninja
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Help. Shaving off key hole??	AceOfHeartless	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	14	December 1st, 2017 06:46 AM
too short to ride =( seat shaving anyone?	Alisha_Ardella	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	103	June 23rd, 2014 05:24 AM
Warped rotor	The_big_dill	1986 - 2007 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	4	August 11th, 2013 04:13 PM
How to know if rotors are warped?	2fidyswag	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	16	June 30th, 2013 11:07 AM
[topix.net] - American Choppers kicks off head shaving campaign	Ninjette Newsbot	Motorcycling News	0	February 8th, 2011 12:10 PM

June 22nd, 2018, 01:03 PM	#2
DannoXYZ ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: AKA JacRyann Location: Mesa, AZ Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): CB125T CBR250R-MC19 CBR250RR-MC22 NSR350R-MC21 VF500F CBR600RR SFV650 VFR750F R1M ST1300PA Valkyrie-F6C Posts: A lot. MOTY - 2018, MOTM - Nov '17	Hi and Welcome! Simplest would be stacking up thicker/multiple base-gaskets to make up for shaving. Cometic makes single-layer gasket in 0.012" (C8828). They can probably custom make you multi-layer steel gasket in any thickness you want. Make sure both surfaces are smooth with RA around 30-60 max Don't use copper gasket, it seals great for high-compression & boosted applications, but not for very long. Would require stronger head-studs with more clamping. It doesn't have spring-loaded feature of steel gaskets to accommodate regular minute head-lifting.

June 22nd, 2018, 04:05 PM	#4
Triple Jim Guy Who Enjoys Riding Name: Jim Location: North Carolina Join Date: Jul 2016 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTM - Oct '18, Aug '17, Aug '16	Or find a cheap head on eBay.

June 22nd, 2018, 07:04 PM	#5
Balthazar778 ninjette.org newbie Name: Thomas Location: Vero Beach FL Join Date: Jun 2018 Motorcycle(s): '07 Ninja 250r Posts: 2	Thanks, fellas. I really appreciate the advice. I think I may just take the easy route and get a cheap one off of eBay and save me some effort and maybe make the warped head a winter project.

June 22nd, 2018, 10:33 PM	#6
DannoXYZ ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: AKA JacRyann Location: Mesa, AZ Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): CB125T CBR250R-MC19 CBR250RR-MC22 NSR350R-MC21 VF500F CBR600RR SFV650 VFR750F R1M ST1300PA Valkyrie-F6C Posts: A lot. MOTY - 2018, MOTM - Nov '17	Be sure to have block checked out as well. Deck should be flat. Make sure threads for head bolts are good and not stripped. Might be cause of original blown head-gasket and resultant warped head.