Guest Martin54 Posted June 18, 2016 Share Posted June 18, 2016 I I have a big problem. I started the motor of my Dictator and when the motor became warm, I saw that the cylinder head is cracked. Unfortunately it is not possible to weld. May I ask you if you know where I could get a cylinder head from ? Thanks for your answer Martin from Switzerland Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skycar Posted June 18, 2016 Share Posted June 18, 2016 Hi Martin, from your photo I cant see the position of the crack, but in some cases cast machinery is repairable using the "thread stitching technique". Here is a link on Youtube showing that method, its not difficult and could be a possible solution to you problem if you cant get a replacement or its too cost prohibitive, (due to your country). I hope this is helpful and good luck with your project. Roger Brisbane Australia ► 9:02 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pq0wfU4ZaKk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 19, 2016 Share Posted June 19, 2016 The youtube link is excellent. I have seen repairs done without the jigs and fancy pieces. Using brass plugs screwed into overlapping holes used to be a standard way of fixing water jacket leaks. I even used it once to stich parts of a crankcase back together after a connecting rod had tried to escape. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayne sheldon Posted June 19, 2016 Share Posted June 19, 2016 Cast iron welding had become a lost art. But it is one that has been rediscovered. Can you show us some better pictures highlighting the crack? It may actually be repairable. Unfortunately, your location is probably the worst part of the situation. There are a few people that could probably repair the head. But shipping both ways could be prohibitive. If you can find a good one, at least shipping only one way would be about half as bad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1927Chevy Posted June 19, 2016 Share Posted June 19, 2016 (edited) My cousin from Milwaukee used to travel the country doing metal stitching on ocean going vessel engines, unfortunately he passed. Per his comment anything could be fixed. Shipping cost cannot be that much, my worry would be it getting lost must insure. Edited June 19, 2016 by 1927Chevy insure (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Martin54 Posted June 19, 2016 Share Posted June 19, 2016 Thank you all for your answers! I forgot to add, that it is an alloy cylinder head. Also I add two photos. . There are two cracks. One on the left side from the thermostat opening to the bolt and the other goes from the thermostat opening till to the thread oft he first spark plug. You can see it is somewhat dark from the burnt cool water. Thank you again for your support and best regards Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 24, 2016 Share Posted June 24, 2016 Any reputable machine shop should be able to repair those with a thread stitching technique either using the "LOCK-N-STITCH" method or just using a drill and tap and threaded rod. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rbk Posted June 28, 2016 Share Posted June 28, 2016 Martin The engine that we talked about turns out to be not a 1935 but a 1934 Dictator engine. Shipping it to Switzerland will be expensive. I am having health problems but I can ask my son to unbolt the head and ship that first. I probably won't be able to ship the rest of the engine until fall. If you only need the head it maybe that someone else can use the rest of the supposedly rebuilt engine. I can have the aluminum head magna fluxed to check for cracks. Remember that aluminum heads take a different head gasket. Robert Kapteyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1927Chevy Posted June 28, 2016 Share Posted June 28, 2016 Martin Great !! Got yourself a head. I have been to rbk's warehouse its like Studebaker heaven, Robert is the best. Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Martin54 Posted June 28, 2016 Share Posted June 28, 2016 Fantastic, thank you for your answer Robert! I am very happy to hear that. As I wrote I would appreciate if you could send me the head bolts together with the cylinder head. And for the rest of the motors we can talk when you are again by good health. Please let me know about the details for payment and shipping. I am member of PAYPAL, if you accept. Thanks again and best regards Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rbk Posted July 8, 2016 Share Posted July 8, 2016 Martin I talked to the machine shop and they recommended not to remove the aluminum head but to pressurize the cooling water system with low pressure air and look for bubbles after spraying soap on the head. My problem now is that 3 head bolts are missing, apparently removed to install a chain for lifting. I am trying to locate head bolts. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Martin54 Posted July 9, 2016 Share Posted July 9, 2016 Bob, thank you for your information. I am happy to hear that you will make this test first and hopefully it will be in good shape. Thanks, and have a nice weekend Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rbk Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 Martin I am just now recovering and get back to working on that engine. Do you want me to get a quote to ship the engine to Switzerland? I can also just send the cylinder head but I have not been able to pressure test it. Do you have the correct head gasket? Robert Kapteyn studebaker@mac.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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