ill ask.. but know better.. welding cracked head...

[CRSMP5]

so today i finally pull the head on the 83 007 red kubvan.. parts finally showed up yesterday.. slightly built pressure in the cooling system.. never known to have been overheated..

the head sadly is cracked from precup to exhaust valve seat..

precup slightly different color vs the rest... im guessing it has a injector issue.. crack is also way larger at precup vs valve seat..

anyone ever try to weld one up? and if so did it work?

this is just a poo and giggles post.. but i have to wonder if anyone has ever tried..

[vanbcguy]

I have seen folks around here repair all manner of damaged hardware.  If you are in North America though, a clean fresh head casting isn't all that much money if your valves and things are in good condition.  Given the choice I'd buy a bare new casting and transfer my cam, valves and springs over, then add some new lifters (they're pretty cheap too). 

In the end I'd almost bet you'd have a fresher head for the same money as you'd pay a good quality welder to do the job to the level of skill required on a badly cracked one.  If you have a bit more to spend, fresh valves in addition to the new head? You're good to go for a loooong time to come.

[CRSMP5]

well owner is thinking tdi conversion vs spending that much on this engine... but he had asked on welding it.. and i had wondered if anyone has attempted..

[BillyWillicker]

They CAN be repaired, although it is very labor intensive.  Much time welding, much time machining.  Usually that type and depth of repair is done on significantly rarer/more expensive parts. 

[Kantdrive55]

where can I get a bare casting in the Vancouver area?

[BillyWillicker]

Mail order.  www.hansdieselparts.com has chinese castings.

[belchfire]

I bought a casting from Prothe a couple of years ago and it's working ok. I smoked the engine (thus the new head) and cut it in half to expose a crack between the valves. There's a lot of meat and although it doesn't look pretty, it is functionable  even with a fairly good size crack. Don't know about from the cup to the valve though.

[gnavs]

I had the cracks in my head welded by a friend of a friend at an aircraft maintenance shop.  I've run into other issues with my build and it's currently on hold so I can't attest to longevity or anything but the before and after pics are pretty night/day.

Before:



After:





I have no idea what it would have cost if I went to a shop but I think it's worth it if you know people 

[CRSMP5]

well today went and pop tested the injectors.. they all good... still wonder why it cracked the head...

on way back stoped and picked up a "good used head" that after cleaning i do not like... looks like someone did a exhaust valve seat in it and milled the hell out of the head to do so..

so now seeking a head.. new or used... 12mm bolts non hydro..

any reputable new heads online.. kinda hate chineese crap..