Gasket help and lapping

[Gnasha]

thank you for the responses much appreciated.

Is it always advisable to skim the block/case to cylinder faces? I'm thinking it's advisable.

If so what precautions should be taken prior to machining? probably a dumb question, but, would you machine them bolted and torqued up together? or machine seperate.

I was just thinking of issues with potential warping, machining in the "relaxed" state seperately Vs maching with two halves torqued up together.

Thanks again

[Piledriver]

Deck flat a well used 40+ year old aluminum engine block? Crazy talk !!

When I have seen it done the block is on the halfshell.
Its possible each half could be bolted to a plate...

Its possible RIMCO or EMW has a fixture the mount an assembled block flat, but the centerline seal surface is a pretty good reference.

You do need to pull all the head studs at a minimum before you send it off, or you get to pay for that at shop rates...
Heat is your friend.