So there I was, cleaning my heads today in preperation of the new shortblock I'm expecting in the next couple weeks; when BAM I notice a good size crack.

The pictures explain location and depth pretty well. I pulled the heads today, and did not notice any abnormal marks on the gasket services of where coolant may have leaked (not sure if it would leave visual marks, such as a blown gasket does). I don't think coolant was leaking into any of the cylinders; as none of the pistons are steam-cleaned. These are at the moment completely stock heads. I was going to freshen them up with new springs and valve stem seals in the next couple days. My question is, due to the location of this crack do I need to worry about it allowing coolant to sneak its way on top of the gasket service? and are they any options for some sort of repair?

My assumptions are that unless this crack appeared today during removal of the heads (I don't see how this would happen), and as long as I seal the headbolt very well during re-installation while being careful to not over-torque and make the crack worse, I should be ok. Or should I not risk it and try to find a new head before I put more work into this one?

Thanks ahead of time,

 

Easy weld and surface repair, your heads need to be surfaced before reinstalling them anyways. That is a very common SBC crack location.

 

What does that type of repair/resurfacing cost normally?

Or is it a case-by-case basis sorta deal? I'd just like a ball-park figure to know if I'm being quoted something rediculous or not.

Thanks,

 

Pricing should be around $45-$75 for the grind/weld(min shop charge) and $80-$120 for surfacing both heads.

 

Just get it welded by someone who can weld aluminum, surface the heads and call it good. You might want to have the machine shop check them for any more cracks before you have the one welded - just so you don't have to do it twice...

 

Good call,

Sound advice; as usual. I'll take them to the shop who is handling my block.

Out of curiosity, do they normally disassemble the heads for this type of repair/surfacing? Or can I go ahead and put on new spring/seals tomorrow like I had planned? and not have to redo my handy-work immediately afterwards.

Thanks,

 

That's a minor weld - they don't have to pre-heat the head, and can just blow off any metal shavings from grinding. I would just leave it disassembled in case they jet-wash them, keep the valves in order.