M42 = Cracked Head Help

[aus-m42turbo]

Hi,

My first post here, so hoping someone can steer me in the right direciton.
As the title suggest I have x2 visibile cracks in the head of my m42.
I have already done some research and found this is fairly common and usually caused from over heating. I also have x2 quotes one for $650 for a 2nd hand head with no idea of what condition its in, and the other quote for $750 for a reconditioned head. I know you can buy entire engines for just of $1000 which makes me think these prices seem to be high.

Anyway just wondering if anyway has a good contact/suggestion on where to go for either reconditioning or replacing the head. Im doing most of the work myself so not looking for a mechanic.

The annoying part is the car was running 100% didnt over heat, never had water/mositure in the oil and the only reason I pulled the head is because im going force induction. If it wasnt for this setback it would probably be running now.

Any help or adivce would be much appricated

[mark_i]

from what you have told us, the M42 head is OK. Lets see a pic of the 2 visible cracks.

[aus-m42turbo]

The head it currently at a frinds mechanic shop so cant take a picture. There is a significant crack heading towards the valve seat. Im pretty sure it wouldnt last long if i was to re use it. I will try getting some photos tomorrow.

Can someone recommend a good wrecker/2nd hand parts dealer in Melbourne.

[silverbullet]

i would definately NOT use it, just because it hasn't had oil in the water and vice versa doesnt mean it wont once you get it warm, especially once underboost. Id just go with the recond head, at least there should be a warranty with it. With the other motor whats to say that the same thing hasnt happened...

[BMWTurbo]

$650 for a junker or $750 for a rebuilt.. no brainer...

You can't compare buying an engine for $1000 as it could very well have a cracked head also.

To give you an idea, I recently paid $300 just to have a head vac tested, stripped cleaned, faced and reassembled with new stem seals.

[aus-m42turbo]

Hmmm ok.

Well looks like my wallet will be taking a big hit as I have decided to do the correct thing and go with a new head (reconditioned head, but eveything else new).
Not very happy about it, but it does come with 12 months warranity (decided not to mention the turbo) and I will have receipts if I do decide to sell the car one day.
If anyone out there has any last suggestion please let me know because I will be going ahead with this tomorrow.

The new head is about $950 not $750 as mentioned earlier

[MYW1FE]

Hey Jamie, chin up mate, do it once do it properly.

Take it from me worth the little extra time and money and at least it puts your mind at rest. Let me know when your putting back together

[aus-m42turbo]

Ha, yeah thanks. I know its the right thing to do. Anyone want a "good" 2nd hand head going cheap... Just Kidding...

Hey Kristian, do you recall what size injectors your are using?

[silverbullet]

there is a place in melbourne we get our heads from. i think its call cylinder heads australia or something. From what ive seen there prices are pretty good! Shop around, you may even be able to get a brand new one for not much more coin.

[MYW1FE]

Ha, yeah thanks. I know its the right thing to do. Anyone want a "good" 2nd hand head going cheap... Just Kidding...

Hey Kristian, do you recall what size injectors your are using?

I'm running siemens 570cc injectors which i overcompensated a touch encase i wanted to run more boost in the future! You will be fine with any thing around the 450cc mark.

I even heard of guys running standard injectors with upping the fuel pressure with a fuel pressure reg. If you go after market ecu go bigger injectors

[Cal]

Cracked the head on my M42 also. Will probably repair it myself. Can anyone recommend a shop in Brisbane to weld the head?

[mark_i]

Hey Cal. Try UMR engines in slacks Creek 07 3208 0017. They did an awesome job of pressure testing and skimming my M42 head

[Cal]

Ok thanks.

Weighing up options at the moment. Might just stick a Beams 3SGE in it.

[Cal]

Seems this head can not be repaired. Where did you get the reco one from?

[318is-c]

i got a m42 head laying about unused, it just comes with a m42 block attached :-P