Heads cracked, replace?
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Cross-Country
Joined: May 2005
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Heads cracked, replace?
I have very small cracks in the head around the injector nozzle location. One shop told me (over the phone) trash them, but a old diesel mechanic said some cracks are normal, not all are catastrophic. Is this true?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Victor, MT
Well....it depends on how cheap you are lol and if your running a turbocharged IDI. The high compression of these motors can cause heads to crack and if i ever saw a crack in my heads i would replace them immediately. That is my recommendation. Tiny cracks on the surface of the head are not catastrophic, but they are weak points and will get bigger as time goes on from the pressure these engines have. I would replace them.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2010
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Sounds like you're talking about the pre-chambers, cracks around the opening are common with the pre-chambers, when I had the heads on my old engine it even had cracks in the pre-chambers.
But just to be save, some pictures of the cracks you are talking about would be helpful.
But just to be save, some pictures of the cracks you are talking about would be helpful.
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Cross-Country
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Cheap...err yes very cheap. Funds are very tight and this is the work truck, so it has to get back on the road. In the process of cleaning the heads with a wire brush, found one crack inbetween the valves...I think at least that head is toast. I cannot afford $350 for a head, but I really cannot afford to have this truck down. Soon as I am done cleaning (waiting on the battery to charge for the drill) I will get some pics. Working in the rain sucks.
Logistics Pro
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From: Victor, MT
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Cross-Country
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One head is shot, it has a crack between the intake and exaust valve in the rear cylinder. The other appears to be good, looks like its going to the machine shop. Any ideas where to find another head? Salvage yards were a nogo and a reman is $325 cheapest I could find it.
Any advice or help is greatly appreciated.
Prechamber cracks are slight, 1/4 to 5/16 inch. I think the one is fine, the other...shot to hell.
Any advice or help is greatly appreciated.
Prechamber cracks are slight, 1/4 to 5/16 inch. I think the one is fine, the other...shot to hell.
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