Cracked cylinder head

RiktheLogger · Post by **RiktheLogger** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 6:13 pm

Hi All.

Stripping and rebuilding a 3.5 efi rv8. After initial check of heads and gaskets when removed, rusty bores and some help from members of the forum led me to believe I maybe had a cracked block. A more in depth de gunk has shown up a large crack running between 3 and 5 cylinder.

The plan with this engine is to rebuild pretty much as standard doing as little to it as possible the first time and wait until a cross bolted 4.6 or similar block comes my way.

So the question here is, has anyone had any success with having the heads repaired? Or will the cost of this far outweigh replacing the head? I understand they are fairly easy to come by.

I dont mind spending sensible money, for one thing it would build up contacts with the right people for the future.

Thanks in advance guys,
Rik

kiwicar · Post by **kiwicar** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 6:55 pm

It all depends how much you can do youself, if you can remove the guides and seat inserts, clean them thoroughly and weld them up, machine the heads for new inserts and machine the inserts then you can probably do it for an outlay of about £60. But if they are P6 heads then you can probably get a good second hand one for £25, and a pair of SD1s or later range rovers in servicable condition would be IRO £100 and new valves, guides and springs would be under £200 (which you would need either way) it really doesn't seem worth it.
Best regards
Mike

ChrisJC · Post by **ChrisJC** » Mon Apr 18, 2011 7:57 pm

Heads are dirt cheap, just get some more.

Chris.

mgbv8 · Post by **mgbv8** » Tue Apr 19, 2011 5:30 pm

Where do you live Rik??

I've got a few heads here on the shelf. You are more than welcome to come and take your pick of one for free if you can collect.
Regards
Perry

DEVONMAN · Post by **DEVONMAN** » Tue Apr 19, 2011 5:52 pm

Rik.
Based on your previous post regarding this engine, I would have the block pressure tested before you proceed with action on the heads.
Given that a core plug was pushed out , this engine has likely been subjected to a big freeze and other cracks may be lurking elsewhere.
Regards Denis

RiktheLogger · Post by **RiktheLogger** » Wed Apr 20, 2011 4:06 pm

Thats great guys, thanks a lot.

Dennis, probably going to get the block done anyway as you suggested, Ive got the name of a guy up here who has been recommended. Its great the people you come into contact withdoing little projects likethis eh?

Perry, Thanks very much for your most generous offer (see above point!

) Im in Cumbria where are you? I can travel within reason of course.

Regards
Rik

mgbv8 · Post by **mgbv8** » Wed Apr 20, 2011 7:45 pm

I'm in Milton Keynes Rik!!

RiktheLogger · Post by **RiktheLogger** » Fri Apr 22, 2011 5:41 pm

Hi Perry, Thanks for getting back to me.

Milton Keynes a little out of my way but if your ever near me (Cumbria) or I you, will certainly drop you a line!

Best Regards,
Rik