Cracked Heads

[WestyDreamer]

When we took apart our engine to do a reseal we found a small hairline crack between the valves..

Is this a major problem?
I was told that WBX engines are known for this problem.

Someone also said that the crack will close as soon as the engine is started and begins to warm up and expand the crack close.

So is it a problem or No? Just cash strapped and trying to get by..
.

[NWB]

It's a very common crack.

I tore apart 3, 2.1's and a 1.9 last week and out of all them there was only 1 head that didn't have that crack.


Put it back together and run it.
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'85 Westy 2WD
'69 Chevelle SS
'00 Land Rover Discovery

[vwaaron]

Out of the Bentley manual

NOTE :
Cylinder heads with cracks between valve seats or between a valve seat and spark plug thread can be used again without reducing service life provided that cracks are small and not more than 0.5 mm (0.019 in.) wide or that only first coil of plug thread is cracked.
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Portland Vanagon Repair

Vans West Vanagon Repair

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[Howesight]

That area between the inlet and exhaust valve has no water jacket, so you only need to worry if the crack has upset the valve seat (which is almost never). That can be checked by lapping and/or using Prussian Blue to check whether a valve seat has been tipped/slanted by the cracking.

If your valve stem clearance is within specified limits, then just lap the valves to refresh the seal and save the full valve job or head replacement for when you have the cash. There are lots of Youtube videos on hand lapping.

Clean the valve lapping compound out VERY carefully when done. It will destroy your bearings if it gets in your oil.
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'86 Syncro Westy SVX