Originally Posted by Wirenut
Originally Posted by an8sec70cuda
I think he's referring to the coolant side. Many heads crack like that but never leak water. Like Dwayne said, if it doesn't leak, cut the seats and run it.
The magnum era small block heads were bad for this.

In my experience, pressure checking a cast iron head will only show a leak if the crack is pretty bad. I have pressure checked cast iron heads that didn't leak when checked, but did leak when they got hot when running. Just saying if you weren't having any leaking issues when they were ran last, and they check good, then run em.

Putting a seat in it would be good only if the relief cut for the seat cut out all of the original crack. twocents


Thanks for the reply and sharing Your experience.

I spoke with a gentleman at Indy today who (contrary to my past experiences) was really helpful. Said about the same as both of you. Happens all the time, Pressure check and re-seat.
What about heating the crack while under pressure ?

I didnt notice any performance issues and only had them apart for inspection due to a possible valve geometry issue, BUT now that I think of it the water may have been a little low when I pulled the radiator.

Indy has new owners


1968 Charger COLD A/C Hilborn EFI
512ci 9.7 compression, Stealth heads, 4.10 gear A518 ODtrans 4100lb,10.93 full street car trim
2020 T/A 392 Stock 11.79 @ 114.5