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cast iron engine head


Guest garydc

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Have a cast iron head that is leaking small amounts of coolant from the top side. This head is from a 1929 Chrysler and had serious warp problems to the extent the shop had to open the top side to fix and then weld. I think the leak, though small is comming from the welds. The question, what are the chances the head will warp if I remove it? I can do the best repair if it is removed, but could possibily repair without removing. If I do remove, What are the chances of using the same gasket? I have removed and replaced heads on my T's but this has me nervious.

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Gary...

If the engine is at room temperature, I cannot fathom that a cast iron part would warp upon removal as there is nothing affecting the Fe micro-structure (absence of heat). This is based upon not knowing if the head has warped from past use. If the engine has been in frigid condtitions, then, take the head off, you could crack the weldments further, if not create more damage.

For references, go to the "Search" icon at the top of the page and punch in "Welding Castings". This subject has been discussed at length some years ago and there are many experiences posted by contributors.

As for replacing the gasket, that is not within my knowledge. Personally, if I were to go to the trouble of taking the head off, repairing the head, I would certainly replace it. Just my opinion.

Regards,

Peter J. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

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My suggestion to you is to find another head. Cast iron is difficult and tricky to weld.A problem I have found with early castings is that they rust out from the inside. Even if you successfully weld the exsisting leak another may appear some where else.The engines have far out survived the cars, so finding a replacement head should be fairly easy. Are you a member of the WPC Club ?

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Harry...good point.

Should Gary check the "Search" topic, this was discussed at length, and, is inclusive.

Must add, that your suggestion applies to stripped threads on old Fe castings (Head, Manifolds, etc.), too. Most old castings look good on the outside, what oxidation is going on in the I.D. is unknown to the naked eye.

Regards,

Peter J. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

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Thanks for the input. This head was repaired aprox. 6 years ago because at that time I couldn't find another. It is the high com. red head. I agree replacement would be best. Since repair it has not been exposed to any temp. extremes. I did just finish the Glidden tour and after 514 miles I started noticing the seepage. Other than that it was just fine. I am going to finish a couple in process jobs and pull the head. Maybe after bead blasting I will be able to see what is going on. Because it had been warped and repaired I was concerened if removing may give me a problem. Thanks Peter.

Gary

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Although I have very little experience with block or leak sealant chemicals; from what I understand about thier performance, they can cause more problems than they solve. Since you have a high performance "red head" engine; it may be more difficult to find a replacement head. Unless you recast these type heads; repair would still be my last resort from the way you describe your exsisting situation.

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