S52 cylinder head crack or no?

[TobyB]

Looks like normal shrinkage to me, too-
as the aluminum cools in the mold, it'll do that.

but a quick dye test will confirm.

t

port-n-polish. nah, just polish.

[digger]

doesnt look like a crack

[PGear]

Hey everyone,

I was hoping to get some opinions from those with experience rebuilding BMW S52 heads.

I took my Z3M Roadster out of storage after about 6 months, installed a fresh battery, and the engine hydro-locked on startup. I pulled the spark plugs and found cylinder #3 full of coolant.

I removed the cylinder head and sent it to a machine shop. They pressure-tested it, resurfaced the deck, and hot-tank/power washed it. They charged about $500 CAD and told me the head passed the pressure test.

After getting the head home and inspecting it closely, I noticed a line between the intake and exhaust valves on cylinder #3 that looks very much like a crack.

Before I assume the worst, I'd like some experienced opinions.

• Has anyone seen marks like this that turned out to be normal casting marks?
• Or does this look like a genuine crack between the valves?
• Is it possible for a head to pass a pressure test yet still have a crack like this?

I'm planning to take the head to a second shop on Monday for another inspection, but I'd appreciate any feedback in the meantime.

Thanks!