I was going to replace the valve seals on my 351W that I was planning on putting in my 70 Grabber, and I found some cracks in the metal around some of the valve guides. This engine was rebuilt sometime before I bought it and it appears the metal was machined down, possibly the reason for the cracking. Are these heads pretty much boat anchors now? I'm pretty bummed... as these are the good D0OE 351 heads.
sorry for your loss. thats sad news.. hope you can figure something out. is there any way you can sae them cheaply? just a hope
Before you throw in the towel, take them in and have a head guy look at them. It seems that I had a set that looked like that once and they were able to repair them. But that was way back in the early 80's and I can't remember what they did to fix them. It could have been that they just put in bigger guides, but it would depend on what diameter that currently is.
This looks like it was possibly a result of when the hardened valve guides were put in. I think you need to get it to a machine shop and get a better opinion of it. Where the hardened steel valve guide carries the pressure of the valve and that area helps more to align the spring, it might be inconsequential if it is cracked or not. But also if it does not matter and you can use it like that you still should get it mag particle inspected (also known as magnafluxed) to make sure the crack ends at the spring keeper and does not go into the head.
Thanks for the options, guys. I think I will have them checked out. They are stock heads with stock rockers from a 70 351W.
Talk to your machinist but from what I understand when when guides are reworked with steel sleeves that happens alot and and is nothing to worry about. The picture looks like steel guide rework
Its from when the inserts where installed. I had a head snap that entire piece off. Machine shop said no biggie. Installed a new guide(not insert) problem fixed. That short piece doesnt do much to support the valve. If they do have inserts which it looks like they do, I was taught that its a one time deal. Next time it gets new guides. If the play is within spec I wouldnt worry about it. Take them to a good machinist to be inspected.
Thanks for the help, guys. Glad to know they might not be a lost cause. They might need a rebuild though. I am planning on taking them in on Sat. I'll let you know what I find out. -Corbin
Thought I would update everyone. The heads are not crap. They have since been completely rebuilt and ready to bolt on again. :bananaman I think now I am going to have the bottom end gone through.
