Anybody see any cracks in this block?? Update to my headgasket replacement!! PHOTOS!

Hi all,
In a good mood today!
Here is the link to my photobucket album, I cleaned up the top of the block to appease my curiosity and finalize either good or bad news....So the first 12 shots are extra close up, sorry some are blurry, the shot 1333 (5th one) is the same spot between exhaust valves 2 and 3 that was cause for the most concern...anyone see any cracks there? Not me, there's 12 total photos, if the pros on this site would eyeball them for crack let me know but my engine builder and I see none.....thoughts????? I think the guys who said it may just be markup from a bad head gasket were right but please give me all your opinions!

http://s557.photobucket.com/albums/ss14/mwinks-jeep/

 

Re: Anybody see any cracks in this block?? Update to my headgasket replacement!! PHOT

I dont see any, you can also take a good straight edge an check it for warpage shine a light behind it to see any low spots

 

Re: Anybody see any cracks in this block?? Update to my headgasket replacement!! PHOT

Yep, got some more cleaning to do then we will be checking both head and block for warpage,

 

Re: Anybody see any cracks in this block?? Update to my headgasket replacement!! PHOT

I would take it in and have it magnafluxed. You should have this done anyways if you plan on rebuilding the head.

 

Re: Anybody see any cracks in this block?? Update to my headgasket replacement!! PHOT

OK so this is where I get stuck. I drive this thing about a hundred miles a year, around my neighborhood, mainly as a snow vehicle to get sleds to the local hill or to bring wood from my woodpile to the house, we tool around as well, to the beer store maybe, but in general, not being used as an actual "vehicle" just a toy.
So i gotta admit I am hesitant to pull apart the block, crank, seals etc and discover things I don't even want to know about LOL when i could just mill the head, throw in a new head gasket, put it all back together flush out the system and run it for maybe 500 to 1000 miles between now and 2016.

 

Re: Anybody see any cracks in this block?? Update to my headgasket replacement!! PHOT

if that were the case for me I would push out the pistons while I had the head off and throw in some new rings, check the rod bearings an replace if necessary hone the cylinders an stick it back together maybe new valves or guides if it burned oil on startup.

 

Re: Anybody see any cracks in this block?? Update to my headgasket replacement!! PHOT

I would do some more cleaning on the head and block and then reassemble the engine with a new head gasket.

 

Re: Anybody see any cracks in this block?? Update to my headgasket replacement!! PHOT

Yep, +1 on that.

Check the deck surfaces for flatness (straight edge and feeler gauge), and put it back together with a new gasket. A little risky, but you're only risking a gasket and your time.

 

Re: Anybody see any cracks in this block?? Update to my headgasket replacement!! PHOT

OK glad I am not alone in this thinking. So any one got suggestions for cleaning the block and head? Suggested degreaser brands? Other solutions?
How about caveats and things to look for (other than cracks) while doing my clean up?
Is the block really subject to possible warpage or really just the head?

 

Re: Anybody see any cracks in this block?? Update to my headgasket replacement!! PHOT

Don't fix it if it ain't broke.

Given the use you give it, any rebuilding is probably unnecessary. If you put it together and find you still have a problem, you only have to pull the head to get back to where you are now.