Cracked Head

[CODI]

Hi folks! I just had a question for you guys...
I had my 8n head milled this week and just picked it up a few hours
ago. The machine shop said they found a hairline crack between one
of the water jacket holes the bolt hole next to it. They told me it would
be fine as long as I seal everything. What is some of your guys'
opinions on this? Can I deal the crack or is it junk?

 

[old]

If I remember right there are no water jacket holes in the had of an N but I maybe thinking wrong on this

 

[CODI]

It does because the head is where the upper radiator hose attaches for coolant to exit the engine.

 

[howdy1960]

If was me and funds being tight I would go for it but keep a sharp eye open for a replacement.
If funds are not a problem play it safe and replace it.

 

[old]

Ya maybe it is no oil passage ways. I know I can probably go out to my shop and grab one or 2 of them

 

[howdy1960]

No oil passages is correct

 

[TheOldHokie]

(quoted from post at 15:10:11 09/17/15) Hi folks! I just had a question for you guys...
I had my 8n head milled this week and just picked it up a few hours
ago. The machine shop said they found a hairline crack between one
of the water jacket holes the bolt hole next to it. They told me it would
be fine as long as I seal everything. What is some of your guys'
opinions on this? Can I deal the crack or is it junk?

I would buy a new head.

TOH

 

[ASEguy]

With a crack, I'd replace the head. You've already got it off. You'll never regret doing the job right.

 

[CODI]

Here is a picture of the crack. It's about a half an inch long and thinner than a strand of hair
<image src="http://forums.yesterdaystractors.com/photos/mvphoto27782.jpg"/>
m

 

[Hobo,NC]

Run it. But If I was working on it for $ I would let you make the call...

 

[Mdparrott]

Can they pin and weld it?

 

[NoNewParts]

I'd run it.
(disclaimer..I'm cheap..and I actually like turning wrenches on my own stuff....if it didn't work out...I'd get another one.)

I'll admit...if I was just changing a head gasket....I might have missed that pictured crack.....if it was all good after..glad I didn't know

 

[Anonymous-0]

(quoted from post at 22:33:59 09/17/15) Ya maybe it is no oil passage ways. I know I can probably go out to my shop and grab one or 2 of them

AYBE!!! Folks come here for facts, not guesses &amp; maybes! Maybe you should go look at one of your many before mouth/fingers start running.

 

[Paul in MN]

So what can go wrong if you just use it? The antifreeze can go up through the head bolt holes anyway. There is no obvious place where you would lose compression. If the crack goes from the compression cavity in the head out into a bolt hole or water passage, then you've got a problem that needs fixing. But this looks like a crack from a water passage hole to a bolt hole, with plenty of gasket area separating the crack from the compression area. I would be much more concerned it this was an overhead valve engine, but with this flathead design, it is pretty simple. ... not a high compression racing engine!

Paul in MN

 

[Hobo,NC]

(quoted from post at 02:16:33 09/19/15) So what can go wrong if you just use it? The antifreeze can go up through the head bolt holes anyway. There is no obvious place where you would lose compression. If the crack goes from the compression cavity in the head out into a bolt hole or water passage, then you've got a problem that needs fixing. But this looks like a crack from a water passage hole to a bolt hole, with plenty of gasket area separating the crack from the compression area. I would be much more concerned it this was an overhead valve engine, but with this flathead design, it is pretty simple. ... not a high compression racing engine!

Paul in MN

Paul you do bring up a point I did not think of, it may leak around the bolt head :twisted: Normally we depend on the bolt threads to seal on a leaker over time even if a sealer is used... Its a toss up to me it may not leak externally are it may even if it does leak externally it may in time seal its self..

Roll the dice are replace its his call...

 

[CODI]

Thanks guys! All great answers. I think I am going to try it as it is because money is tight right now and the crack is really small and doesn't involve a combustion chamber.

 

[kylemorley]

Keep in mind that if you seal the heck out of it and it still leaks after you reassemble it, there are also some very effective mix-with-the-coolant leak sealers like Barsleak that can be used at any time later down the road.

(quoted from post at 01:40:31 09/19/15) Thanks guys! All great answers. I think I am going to try it as it is because money is tight right now and the crack is really small and doesn't involve a combustion chamber.