Decking the block?

[jamerson84]

I started my tear down and have gotten the head off and was wondering if there was any way to measure the deck height. Because when I rotated the pistons in the block at TDC the piston came right up to the top of the block. Is this how it's supposed to be or has this block already been decked. Just want to make sure before I go to the machine shop.
Thanks.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi jamerson84,

I assume you are talking about a 200. I also assume you have stock pistons. The 200 does not have much deck height to start with. .015 to .030 is factory. 15 to 30 thou is not much. Are you sure the piston comes ALL THE WAY to the top. If it does, the block has been decked. This will not be a problem for you as long as the block can be cleaned up with a lite pass over the deck. If you use a modern head gasket (felpro) you can count on .040 to .050 of gasket to keep your valves from hitting you pistons even with zero deck height. Be sure to take this into account when determining what combustion chamber size to use, and think twice about flat top pistons.

Steve

 

[jamerson84]

Well I looked at it again and it is a 200 with stock dished pistons. The pistons come right up to the top of the block with maybe a hair to spare but I don't see how I could take anymore off. I guess this meens it's already been decked. Can I still take a small amount off to make sure it's smooth straight? If so how much should I have the block milled?
Thanks .