Cracked Engine Head

[Sasklegend21]

Hey,

Has anyone repaire a cracked engine head?
Mine developed a small crack right behind the cam chain sprocket.
It began as a small leak, but is getting worse. 
I placed some of that "magic putty" on it as a temporary solution, and it slowed the leak way down.
However, I think it is only a very short term fix.
I have heard some guys take them to an aluminum welder, but I am a bit worried about heating up the head and deforming it.

Anyone have any experience?

Thanks!

[justfreaky]

The only truly great aluminum welder I know passed away earlier this year.
Aluminum welding is an art, and takes a very skilled person to do it correctly.
I would search for a new head and be on the safer side of things.

jmho

Steve

[VMS Motorsports]

Check with Jeff (racinjj). Between he and his dad, they can do just about anything. His dad welded the head on Chris' Mod this off season

[racerrad8]

I weld probably 10-15 a year. They crack at both the corners of the timing chain kick out as well right in the center of the timing chain boss.

It is a difficult weld as the oil must be burned out of the casting before the welding can be done. I usually have to clean it by making several passes, grinding it out and repeating. Once it is clean then the filler rod can start being used to repair the crack.

I have had a couple of guys try and weld them at the track and they have all be unsuccessful and I had to come home and start over on them.

The heat is not an issue to the head as it is such a big heat absorbing unit it is difficult to get it hot enough to weld at times. I do pull up the chain guide when welding the center portion, but not the corners.

If I can be of assistance let me know,

Randy – RPM
rpm@swaybar.com

[Sasklegend21]

Thank you for all the help!
It is reassuring to know that I am not the first to have this happen.
I will consider taking it off and having it welded, depending on who I can find locally that would be able to do it.
Although, it sounds like it is a definate art to do it correctly.

Thanks again,

Blake

[ethan54]

When we pulled the motor out of my car the other day we discovered the head was welded. It's held up for the last 1 1/2 seasons, so whoever did it did a good job.