General head machine work question

[Jean]

I called a local machine/engine shop to get a quote on a head blasting/ checking for cracks/leaks and a valve job quoted $325+ cost of any cam/rocker/shafts/valves/guides as needed. If I wanted head just blasted and inspected to tell me exactly what other parts might need to be replaced is $125 (labor would go towards more work if I wanted to).

How is this pricing ?

[winstontj]

I think it's called magnafluxing that they use to check the head for cracks. You want to do this prior to getting any work done (of course).

Many shops will "inspect" a 4-cyl head for you for free with the understanding that you are going to have the work done there. I've never just had a head checked and taken it home so I'm not sure about the prices.

What exactly do you want to get done? Are you going to do the work (tearing down & rebuilding) yourself? If you bring a bare head to a machine shop with new valve seats and guides and ask them to check the head for cracks, warping (if so how many thou and can they machine it) and replace the guides & seats as well as do a 3-angle valve job it should be only a few hundred dollars.

Where exactly is "sac". Shops around Boston area are around the rates you quoted. More if they get a fully built head and return it fully built with their parts they had to source.

Remember to include the new valves when you get your valve job (and NUMBER THEM)

HTH,
TJW

[Jean]

You are pretty much dead on. I wanted to cover all the basis incase head isn't in good condition and that's why I asked about the "inspection" but they would have to tear it down from what it sounds like to get me an answer on what it will need to complete the job. The extra cylinder head I have is a complete head, and I am just looking to get it rebuild so that I don't waste my time installing it only to find out it's not any good .

So, basically nothing major as it won't really get me any more hp.

I am in Sacramento, Ca.

[winstontj]

You can go to Sears and buy a valve spring compressor for under $40. That's the only tool you really need to break down the head entirely. Take it all apart yourself... everything but the valve guides & seats. Also an M10 head (bare) weighs like nothing so you can ship it almost anywhere for a small fare.

BTW if you can break down the head then you can rebuild it all yourself for the cost of a tube of moly grease & a case of cheap redneck beer... Try it!

Many shops will charge a nominal fee ($50) for inspection and discount that off labor if you choose to do the labor there.

Try posting on 2002faq.com for machine shop reccomendations in your area. There are TONS of 2002 guys around you and they'll be able to give you a local shop at a decent pricepoint.

[Mr Deagle]

how the hell are you going to magnaflux an aluminum head?!?!?!??! (maybe a flux capacitor????)

[Jean]

lol

[winstontj]

how the hell are you going to magnaflux an aluminum head?!?!?!??! (maybe a flux capacitor????)

Sorry must have been a flux capacitor! I went to highschool with the guy I use as a machinist (his dad's shop) so I drop the stuff off, give him parts, time frame and don't ask questions. What exactly magnafluxing is - I have no idea. I assumed it's the process where they dip the head in something and cracks show... Sounds like it's an american V-8 cast iron kind of thing the way you say it.

What's the real story?

[FredK]

Magnafluxing is when they place a powerful magnet on the head or block to be tested, then put on this fine iron dust on the head or block. The powder is drawn to the cracks on the surface.

Aluminum heads I believe are just pressure tested.

[Jean]

I dropped the head off today to a good machine shop that was recommended to me. I'll keep you guys posted on the results if interested.

[Mr Deagle]

magnafluxing


Sounds like it's an american V-8 cast iron kind of thing the way you say it.

wow, it does sound like that haha

[Jean]

Engine shop cleaned the head, inspected and said it's spun it's bearing and is damaged, they don't recommend with a rebuild on it.. cost me only $40 so far

[FredK]

What bearing? Is the cam tray screwed up?

[Hick]

haha, what bearings?? dont bother repaceing valves, just have the old ones lapped and replace the valve seals.

[Jean]

I'll pick it up today or tomorrow, sounded like a cam bearing, can't think of any other bearings on the head...

[winstontj]

haha, what bearings?? dont bother repaceing valves, just have the old ones lapped and replace the valve seals.

I disagree unless you know that the guides are good and the play is within limits. Guides are cheap IMO. You could always put a BIG schrick in there... they require bigger cam bearings :-)

Seriously bearings can be replaced so the head should be fine. If the head was scratched you can get an oversized bearing from a race shop probably... Call Ireland or Korman or even maybe BavAuto....