Cracked heads

[dmich2]

OK. I've heard for years about 2.8's and their susceptibility to cracked heads. I purchased a complete engine years ago that I have in storage and was wondering just how difficult it is to determine if I have any cracks in the one I have. Can it only be done by a machine shop?

Thanks,
Dennis

 

[DanR]

Try this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llHg1ZEctgU

 

[Ken Ellis]

There's another method shown on the Wheeler Dealer "Sunbeam Alpine" episode. Pretty easy with standard equipment. But I've never done either method, so I defer to the experts on how trustworth either method is.

 

[DanR]

Ken,

I too defer to the Experts.... My machine Guys are pretty good, proven over the last 35 or so years on my stuff.

 

[Mike Armstrong]

OK. I've heard for years about 2.8's and their susceptibility to cracked heads. I purchased a complete engine years ago that I have in storage and was wondering just how difficult it is to determine if I have any cracks in the one I have. Can it only be done by a machine shop?

Thanks,
Dennis

It's common enough to make the assumption that both heads are cracked until proven otherwise. A lesson I learned the hard way. Pulling the heads and bringing them to a reputable shop to have them checked is easy enough and inexpensive enough that it should be a normal procedure on these old 2.8's. Besides just cracks, it'll also let you know the overall condition of the head and valve train.

 

[crs]

When my V6 was prepped, the tuning shop tore it down to the bare block and magnafluxed everything not to be replaced. Block , heads, pistons , rods all passed. After the heads were milled, all small parts were replaced.