soldsep

So i think my cylinder head is cracked. Anyone know where i can get a good one for a reasonable price?

thanks in advanced
-p

89CE

My buddy might still have one for sale. Ill let you know about the price and shipping if youre still interested.

soldsep

yea i would like to know the price.

ashman

I have seena brabus m103 engine head for sale on ebay... might want to check in on it...

Alon

Tri Star300E

There is a place here in Georgia called Cylinder Head Exchange that will sell you a reman and take yours as a core even if it's cracked. You should be able to find a reputable reman business close to you. Buying somebody's junk off Ebay is about the most stupid thing you could do.

89CE

I saw that Brabus head on Ebay a while back. From what I recall, the head was newly built by Brabus and didnt look anything like 'junk' to me. By the way, my buddy's head was just sold.

soldsep

whats a reman?

Tri Star300E

A reman is a 'remanufactured' part. Either your head can be done or you can find a place that will 'swap out' with you. The head is checked for dimensional correctness, airtightness, the valve guides are relaced and the valves brought back into spec. Hd nine done recently and was pleased with the result. I really can't see the return of just putting a Brabus head on a tired engine and expecting noticeable gains.

soldsep

how much did you do it for?

89CE

Had mine done for $350 includes labor to and installation of all new guides and seals (parts included). If you know your head is in good condition, I would not swap it with another one just to get it the same day. I had mine done simply because I knew that my head was in perfect condition and the service was needed because of worn guide seals. I changed my head gasket simply because you have to at this level, not because I needed to due to a blown gasket. With that in mind, I knew that my head wasnt warped or damaged. Doing a swap isnt advisable simply because you dont know the history of the head youre getting. Now, if your head is cracked, damaged, etc., then I would do the swap.

soldsep

ok so i guess im gonna hafta looka round for a place that will swap one with me. now a swap doesnt cost 350 does it? would it be more?

Tri Star300E

What makes you think yours is 'cracked'?

soldsep

mechanic told me it was cracked. zim at topline in burlingame, ca

Tri Star300E

What are the symptoms?, coolant and oil mixing, engine skip??? What's going on?

TNblkc230wz

It is really hard to distinguish between a cracked head, cracked cylinder, and blown head gasket without taking the head off. The symptoms are usually the same unless you visually see a crack on the exterior of the head. Cracked cylinders are very rare. The most common problem is a blown head gasket.

I wouldn't buy the head unless a competent machine shop has looked at yours and said it was unrepairable, unless you want a performance head such as the Brabus

soldsep

hmm. ill have another mechanic look at it but these are the only problems i notice. oil leak. burns a lot of oil. at stop light car shakes alot. feels like it is gonna die but not that bad. not sure how to describe that. i feel that i use a lot more gas then usual. thats it.

89CE

A cracked cylinder is an easy fix if youre rebuilding the entire engine. The cylinders are sleeves that can be pressed out of the block.

soldsep

so your saying that i might as well rebuild my engine cuz its probably easier?

Cap'n Carageous

What is your level of automotive repair knowledge? The reason I ask is that engine rebuildig is a LOT more involved and costly than reworking a cylinder head. If you were not already aware of that, then you should not attempt to diagnose and repair the engine yourself. Find a reputable shop and say 'call me when it's finished' or an experienced individual willing to guide you through the process. Special tools and knowledge are essential.

soldsep

Alot of knowledge suspension wise Not much knowledge engine wise. Ill have someone check the cylinder head if its cracked.

hopefully its not.
maybe i just need guides and seals to be replaced? ok ill come back after i know whats really up.