Hello everyone, I purchased recently a set of World Products cylinder heads, one from new and the other I found used on ebay. Unfortunately upon closer inspection I discovered this exterior crack on the used casting. Any advice?

 

That head has been dropped or suffered shipping damage or something like that. The damage is obvious at the valve cover rail. At least, you can be sure it's not a casting flaw.

It is of no consequence as long as it doesn't leak. For now. What it might do in the future is anybody's guess. I can't see below the surface.

Water is the most likely fluid to escape there. Have them pressure-tested. If it's OK, then it's ... OK. For now at least. If the crack goes upward it could leak oil, but I doubt that. If so it will show in the rocker gallery though. And that, you could fix with sealant or epoxy or some such.

No idea whether you have any recourse through ebay. I'd suspect, not. Investigate it though, just in case. If you can return it, do so, and put the money toward a new one.

 

I submitted a request for a return, so hopefully I'll hear back from the seller shortly. Thanks for your time.

 

Agreed that it appears to be shipping damage. The indentation in the machined surface just about proves that. Freight claim, anyone?

If pressure test indicates the crack does not enter a water jacket and that no other hidden damage exists, it could be repaired. If the material is gray iron, it could be brazed or nickel welded. If it is aluminum, TIG could close that and insure it doesn't grow.

 

The title made me look, as I bought a pair of these heads some years back.

Well that's disappointing. Someone should be picking up the tab for that head, that's for sure.

If a person were to keep it, would you guys recommend drilling the ends of the crack to prevent propagation, then braze the thing closed to keep it fluid tight?

 

Yes, it is without a doubt due to shipping damage. The corner of the machined surface is slightly bent upwards and there is a visible indentation now that you mentioned it.

 

Those castings are now not easy to find.
Claim shipping damage.
I will search for a replacement for you. What casting number?

So far: https://www.competitionproducts.com/...SB/products/9/

 

Looks to be casting number 1901695V. 4360.

 

The title of your post says for a 305 engine. Is that what you wanted/need?
Because 4360 is a 76cc head for a 4" bore engine.
Casting 4265 is the 58cc head for a 305 engine.

 

Yes, that would be correct. Seems that not only did I get a damaged cylinder head, but I also recieved the wrong casting altogether. Yikes. Fortunately the other cyclinder head purchased directly through the manufacturer has the correct numbers. I'll throw in a picture of it as well just for your sake since I finished painting it today.