cracked max wedge head...got questions now

[6T5]

-Crack is on the top "rail" where the valve cover sets.

-It's on the outside/downhill side/ exhaust side...directly above the siamese part of the center exhaust ports.

-Crack runs vertical...straight down and then into one exhaust port.

-Extends into the port about 3/8 inch.

It never leaked oil and never saw any water.....I don't think the engine used any water mysteriously either.

I've seen pictures on the internet of this same type crack before on early heads.

Are they known for this?
Is there water jacket in between the center exhaust ports?

I wish I coud tell you all more but I drove the car very little before teardown.

Thanks very much

 

[Garys1969RR]

Don't know if there is a water jacket between the 2 center ex ports, but I suspect not. Not a lot of room there. A competent welder can repair the crack. You should re surface the head if it sees alot of heat build up from welding. There is also a cold welding process for cast iron. Hope that answers your questions.

 

[6T5]

Thanks Gary,

the crack is actually slightly on the roof of the port and I think theres water jacket there. Pressure testing tomorrow then deciding on repaur method. Fortuneately I have access to skilled persons in botho kinds of repairs.

 

[Meep-Meep]

I believe there is water near the top of the port under the valve spring area but the corner around the gasket area should be solid. It would be nice if you have no water leaks as is but a repair should still be considered. Alternatively to welding you can do the lock stitch method to repair the crack. Just call Goodson and buy the tapered cast iron plug repair kit. Also get the white sealer liquid.

 

[6T5]

pressure checked...leaks plenty...pinning this weekend...thanks