The Ford Barn

Willynichols · 12-28-2018, 07:19 PM

I know the cracks between the head bolts and water jackets aren't a big deal but I have this one on the exhaust crossover by the head bolt. Is this something to worry about?

Willynichols · 12-28-2018, 07:20 PM

Here is a pic of the other side

RalphM · 12-28-2018, 07:59 PM

Second picture doesn’t look too bad, but the first one does that crack extend into the valve seat? Would be a good idea to get a pressure tested.

Willynichols · 12-28-2018, 08:07 PM

It doesn't run into the valve seat, just to the head bolt. Magnaflux just showed those cracks but I will get it pressure tested.

RalphM · 12-28-2018, 09:35 PM

Then those do not seem to be deadly cracks, be sure to put Aviation Permatex, or equivalent on the threads of stud when installing. Will keep coolant from creeping up the stud.

Bored&Stroked · 12-29-2018, 04:18 PM

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It doesn't look particularly bad, but I'd be a bit concerned about this crank continuing down into the exhaust port - and eventually leaking water out the exhaust.

I'd talk to my machinist a bit and see if he/she thinks it should be "pinned" to prevent the crack from progressing in the future. Would be a real bummer to build this engine, run it for a bit and then have coolant coming out the middle exhaust and/or stud.

Pressure testing is never a bad idea - especially if they can put 'hot water' in the block before testing.

12-28-2018, 07:59 PM	#3
RalphM Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: North Pole, Alaska Posts: 2,657	Re: Cracked flathead question Second picture doesn’t look too bad, but the first one does that crack extend into the valve seat? Would be a good idea to get a pressure tested.

12-28-2018, 08:07 PM	#4
Willynichols Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Posts: 3	Re: Cracked flathead question It doesn't run into the valve seat, just to the head bolt. Magnaflux just showed those cracks but I will get it pressure tested.

12-28-2018, 09:35 PM	#5
RalphM Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: North Pole, Alaska Posts: 2,657	Re: Cracked flathead question Then those do not seem to be deadly cracks, be sure to put Aviation Permatex, or equivalent on the threads of stud when installing. Will keep coolant from creeping up the stud.

12-29-2018, 04:18 PM	#6
Bored&Stroked Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 5,187	Re: Cracked flathead question Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) It doesn't look particularly bad, but I'd be a bit concerned about this crank continuing down into the exhaust port - and eventually leaking water out the exhaust. I'd talk to my machinist a bit and see if he/she thinks it should be "pinned" to prevent the crack from progressing in the future. Would be a real bummer to build this engine, run it for a bit and then have coolant coming out the middle exhaust and/or stud. Pressure testing is never a bad idea - especially if they can put 'hot water' in the block before testing.