Classic Alfa Forums

I have taken the head off my 147's 2.0 TS engine to replace the rather hardened valve stem oil seals, which will hopefully reduce the chronic oil consumption. I have had it skimmed as there was some minor corrosion, due I presume to the use of a multi layer steal head gasket. Having had the head skimmed, on close inspection you can see the machining marks and I can feel them with my finger nail.
Having done some research on u-tube. The 'experts' say the machining marks are fine for fiber or composite gaskets but the surfaces must be very smooth for a multi layer steel gasket.
So what should I do? Get it machined again, which I am nervous about as its an interference engine. Or I could sand it with fine wet and dry on a sanding block and hope for the best. If I sand it then it will be impossible to do it evenly but would I be right in thinking that any variation, if I am very careful, would be within tolerance?

Can't answer your skim/gasket question, but someone on here should be able to.

I thought the chronic oil consumption was down to poor piston rings.........see GTV ts in this same section.

Yes I did read that post with interest and now appreciate the piston rings are the primary cause of high oil consumption. I should have said I am hoping new oil seals will reduce the oil consumption.
Composite gaskets were fitted to the earlier 16v engines, so I am wondering if fitting one to my later engine is a good idea as it will compensate for the lack of a super smooth finish. But as a composite gasket is thicker, are the heads the same? Now mine has been skimmed I doubt if fitting a slightly thicker gasket will matter. But, as you say Dave, there are people on this forum who may well know the answer.