hey guys i know this is super noob.
im curious if it is necessary to have the block resurfaced to seal up a oem headgasket.? i recently assembled my engine and had a external coolant leak from between the gasket and the block, it also started to mix fluids so i already pulled everything apart. i looked over the block with a straight edge most all is flat other then the firing ring area around the cylinders but there is some corrosion on the mating surface. i had the head resurfaced and im using arp l19 head studs originally torqued to 95ft lbs and went up in increments to 120ft lbs after i noticed the external leak. i took the block and head to the machine shop o they could clean everything up and make sure everything was good but there was no mention of the finish on the blocks mating surface.
any input is appreciated.
thanks


here is a pic of headgasket. no signs of carbon build up.

 

if your block looks like that ^^^ please save yourself the trouble and get it resurfaced. mls headgaskets are picky. i have not had any cooling issues since it got resurfeced and used a fresh headgasket

 

Resurface the block and don't torque the L19 past 95ftlbs. If you had to do that it indicates a problem with the head or block mating surfaces. Remember that the more you torque your head studs the less overall holding capacity they'll have.


-pal215

 

Resurface that block for sure.