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head crack limits?

Posted: Sat May 29, 2010 7:13 pm
by 4x4ewok
Hey guys,
Got the head off a 3L engine i bought to rebuild to go into my surf and after a closed inspection I have found cracks between the valves on all 4 cylinders and #2 has cracking on the pre-combustion chamber. I was told that the engine was running hot before being pulled so not a huge suprise.
It also had a turbo bolted to it which is the main reason i bought it.

Now i know that i should just buy a new head and be done with it but being a single income family and trying to go on a holiday later in the year funds a bit tight.

I also have a 3L in my surf which has just started frothing a bit with the radiator cap off. Its not running hot and hasn't given me any grief yet.
I will probably pull this head off and have a look before I make any decisions. my goal is to make the best engine i can out of the two engines i have and replacing what i need to.

now my question is what cracking can be repaired successfully if any and does anyone know what the limits are with regards to cracking.

Cheers

n

Posted: Sat May 29, 2010 8:14 pm
by Clanky
Take it to a engine machine shop and ask them - hard to give advice sight unseen.
They wont warrant it so they will be conservative, but see how you go.

I think you might have answered your question in part , and use the two engines to get a good-un

Posted: Sat May 29, 2010 9:13 pm
by Dzltec
Crack repair on cast iron heads itself is not viable these days, especially between valve inserts. Its very hard to guarantee they won't leak again. Not to say it can't be done. Precmps just get replaced.


Andy

Posted: Sun May 30, 2010 9:22 am
by martysgq
Just changed a head on a 3Ltr surf 1KZ-TE motor that was cracked between the valves, and the pre cumbustion chamber. I was told it wasnt worth repairing and got a new head. New head cost just under $1000 and got the valves changed out of the old and in to the new for $200.