Cylinder heads

So I managed to find a decent 2 1/2 petrol 3MB cylinder head at Malvern this weekend. It’s cleaned up really well and not bad for £20. The number on my head is ERC 5899 but the other is 568750.

Both look the exact same and the spare seems to have less wear on the valves etc.

Also, should I get it skimmed now and store it or wait until needed? Thinking potential rust etc.

Before and after pics below

Thanks in advance

Rich

That’s cleaned up quite nice
Does it need skimming have you tested for flatness and pitting on it , if you clean up around the valve seats you can check for cracks better

If you want to skim now you can always protect it from rust

Don't skim for the sake of it, if it's flat then leave it alone

As it is an iron head, it's not as likely to warp than an aluminium head, so as others have said, test for flatness first. Chances are it's just fine. Do cover with grease if you store though- don't use WD40 as I have tried in the past- it doesn't provide great long term protection.

Petroleum jelly works

As above and then store in a sealed plastic bag some where dry.

Thank you all,

Great advice as always - scotch bright out and store away then