Cylinder Heads

[CR500PHIL]

Can a 1989+ cylinder head be used on a 1985 engine? I am thinking it can since I am sure I seen a 1986 engine with a newer cool head on it.

[Roostius_Maximus]

if you use that newer head, use the thin gasket from 89+ also

[CR500PHIL]

if you use that newer head, use the thin gasket from 89+ also

Thanks - I am suspecting my 1985 head is warped - have not taken off to check yet but it is leaking with a clean new gasket. I am thinking I will just buy a brand new head and fix the issue once and for all if it is indeed warped. I am getting 60 PSI compression now which I thinking is because of the leak. I may just rebuild the top end, check crank etc, get a new head and have piece of mind.

[CR500PHIL]

Here is another question - Weisco pistons are for 85-88 and for 1989 up - two different ones listed - whereas the Vertex pistons list from 1984 to 2001. Why does one manufacturer have two pistons for the same range of bikes and another have one piston that covers all years?

[Roostius_Maximus]

the older pistons had a wider cutout on the intake side, either works, Honda eventually eliminated the old version.

[CR500PHIL]

FYI - I resurfaced my head using 320 grit first and then 1200 grit paper on a sheet of glass. The head was warped but now it looks new and the warpage has been removed. I noticed three small indentations in the gasket surface of the head. I wonder are these to show the limit for resurfacing the head or does someone know what these are for?

[Roostius_Maximus]

Youve got an old head, the early ones had dimples as indication for the maximum reccomended material to be removed