VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION New User Forum cracked 1931 cylinder head

I have a crack (approx. 1 inch) that runs through the exhaust valve seat on the #2 cylinder and a similar crack on the exhaust valve on the #5 cylinder . I need to either locate an undamaged head or try to get mine repaired. Has anyone had recent experience with a similar issue? If so, what repair technique was used? How successful was the repair. Contact info. re: someone who can do a high quality repair that will last would be appreciated. This is probably a dumb question,, but does anybody know where I could get an undamaged cylinder head?
Thanks for any assistance you can provide.

Hi there and welcome to Chevy Chatter. Hope you find a lot of good information on this site.

Crack-free cylinder heads are like hens teeth and many Chevy dudes are looking for good cylinder heads. I did see a crack- free cylinder head sell once for around $1,200 so if you do find one it will probably be expensive because the 1929-32 cylinder heads are prone to cracking.

Your best bet is to have your cylinder head repaired. Cracks in the valve seats are not a problem because the valve seats can be replaced with new inserts. You might want to do a search on the Internet for a company that does quality repairs on cylinder heads. There are some listed in Hemmings Motor News as well. And, some of the guys on this site will probably give you information on who they recommend to repair your cylinder head.

Good luck!

There was a great article on this site 2-3 months? ago. It showed pics and how to info on pegging? a cracked cylinder head. bill

Hello JimD and welcome to Chevy Chat.

I just finished putting the head back on my 31 after having it repaired. It also was cracked behind the exhaust seat on no 2 cylinder along with cylinders 3 and 4 water jacket cracks. The gent that welding it up for me not only repaired the cracks, but also welded the entire length of the head at the water jackets. I was charged 282.00 for the repairs and am very happy with work so far. No leaks in the initial run. They basically heat the head cherry red and weld it up at that time. Then they go in after head cools and smooth and clean up the welds. By the time I got done with everything including valve job, replaced the guides, clean and magnaflux, mill the head, gaskets, misc items and the weld job, I looked at right about 1150.00.

I would think that some machine shop in your area could help you out with your problem. Pretty expensive to ship your head very far to have repairs done.

Best to you.

Jim.

From time to time I have noticed that Grady Cox has offered such (mangafluxed) cylinder heads for sale, but I don't know what he has at the moment.

Look out at eBay and other net media and when you are a member of VCCA ask in G&D, our magazine/"part wanted".

So, this brings up a good dilemma... I have a "spare" engine that I "could" let go... And it probably has a good head, since it was inside for the past 20+ years...

Here's the dilemma - "Should I sell it at a "high" price knowing that the head is probably the most expensive component now, or should I go to the work to tear it apart, and then just sell the head (assuming that it's good)?

In the past, I've always wanted a complete engine, so that I can see what kind of wear-and-tear it went through... But in the past 10 years or so, it seems that PARTS are a more desirable commodity.

I would advise don't sell until you no longer have the car. There are heads out there, it's just a matter of finding it. I do know where there is a complete 31 engine for sale for $400.00 but if the head is cracked it's no bargain. The owner is in FL. right now but I would bet that if someone wanted just the head after checking it would be $600.00 if good. My best advice would be to keep looking and be patient. Selling the parts separately will bring more money, but may take a long time and chances are the block will get scrapped anyway.

I just finished having my 1927 head repaired,just like above they opened up the head and than cast welded it in spots and also brass welded in other area,than they heated it up again and put ceramic with pressure to cover all the areas. When done the pressured tested it with 50 lbs of pressure and no leaks. The whole job cost me (head repair)$500. My 27 has the late engine with the larger valves, I had no choice but to fix it. Runs great and no leaks.