The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Cracked Heads

Just read the most recent post on a cracked head. I have heard of heads being repaired. What is the possibility and experience out there about doing this?

The head on my Ford 800 (4 cylinder) tractor was cracked in 3 places when I took everything to the machine shop in Columbia, Mississippi. The shop welded it up and I went right on with the engine rebuild and 4 years later all is fine. They told me at the machine shop (a really top-notch shop BTW) that cracked heads can sometimes be repaired and their estimate was that mine fell in that category. So far, so good.

lane

Many will tell you that the 235 head cannot be repaired successfully. I went through three before finding one that was good.

Mark

Check out this website for cast iron repair.

http://www.locknstitch.com/index.html

Very interesting to read these procedures : from the link above posted by JiMerit.

Brad

I liked the article too. Question is how much does all this cost and is it worth it. I haven't found a place locally yet and shipping is expensive.

I do know cast iron heads can be welded, however it is an art, and finding an artist can be difficult. I am fortunate in that there is one fella here in Seattle that is one of the premier cast iron welders. Look up Hill head and machine. They specialize in heads only, (well they did have a couple of flathead ford blocks in there, but even they like to have their fun) The fella running it is second generation, and is a consummate professional.

MikeE, mine was cracked between the #5 intake and exhaust ports. I sent mine to RJ's Machine and Welding in Chapin Il. They flame weld cast iron and slow cool it over long hours, that's the secret. If cast iron cools too quickly it will crack at the weld point. They have been around for many decades. When I had mine done a few years back they charged a flat $200.00 for an automotive head and they bore and fitted hardened seats included. They even put new valve guide seals on. The shipping down and back was about as much as the repair job for me. I don't know how far north of the border you are from me for shipping. Their number is (217) 472-5121

Thanks everyone. bzt, I am in Green Bay, but I will investigate a side trip there.