An internal combustion engine is subjected to extreme forces and temperatures possibly due to other componet failures. The Combustion occurs between the piston and cylinder head and In time the temperature and forces associated with combustion could warp this surface of the cylinder head. This could lead to the cylinder head gasket ‘blowing’. To eliminate this warping the cylinder head is skimmed, as in the photo of skimmed cylinder head.

The cylinder head is skimmed ready for the new gasket to be fitted