Head Gasket Install

[nkaminar]

Cast iron (and cast aluminum) has built in stresses after it cools. In the past, the raw casting were kept for a year or more before machining which allows the internal stress to dissipate. This costs money so now most castings are machined soon after casting. Large parts, such as engine blocks have less tendency to warp.

Precision machining of cast aluminum requires careful planning so that the internal stresses do not warp the part during the machining. The casting can be heat soaked to relieve most of the internal stress before machining.