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Old 05-14-2018, 02:44 PM   #1
Ron Pilger
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Default Aluminum head repair

I am aware of previous posts pertaining to using JB weld and other blends to repair corrosion on heads. Does anyone offer a new, improved repair technique or have a story (good or bad) to offer following many years and many miles. Thanks for your input.
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Old 05-14-2018, 04:02 PM   #2
51 MERC-CT
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Default Re: Aluminum head repair

Most of what I see doesn't appear to be necessary for sealing purposes, is that correct, just for looks.?
Anything you put on the head where it is not entrapped by the gasket has the possibility of coming off and depositing itself in the cooling system.
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Old 05-14-2018, 04:05 PM   #3
petehoovie
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Default Re: Aluminum head repair

Be sure to use a good quality composite head gasket with a good 'squish' factor....
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Old 05-14-2018, 04:28 PM   #4
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Default Re: Aluminum head repair

Devcon Epoxy
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Old 05-14-2018, 05:37 PM   #5
Ron Pilger
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Default Re: Aluminum head repair

Instinct tells me that no repair should be attempted inside the firing ring. I’ve had very good luck with all types of today’s non copper gaskets, in terms of sealing. I’m curious what Devon or JB looks like after tens years or 10,000 miles of being on the job.
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Old 05-14-2018, 05:37 PM   #6
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Default Re: Aluminum head repair

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Ron, run that head as it is.
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Old 05-14-2018, 06:19 PM   #7
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Default Re: Aluminum head repair

New original style aluminum heads are being cast by Kearney Pattern Works in San Jose, California.

See > http://www.kearneyfoundry.com/

REPLICA CASTINGS:
Kearney Pattern Works & Foundry manufactures exact duplicate cylinder heads for 1933-1936 Ford V8's, as well as a finned "Hot Rod" version. We manufacture exact duplicate finned cylinder heads for V-12 Lincoln flatheads, as well as a custome 3 carburetor intake manifold. These products are commonly sold to individuals who restore cars and require the very best when entering shows.
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Old 05-14-2018, 06:33 PM   #8
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Default Re: Aluminum head repair

As a FYI, Kearney is no longer reproducing the Aluminum heads.
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Old 05-14-2018, 06:35 PM   #9
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Default Re: Aluminum head repair

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As a FYI, Kearney is no longer reproducing the Aluminum heads.
Didn't know that. They might have some left in stock though. I'd call them....
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Old 05-14-2018, 06:48 PM   #10
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Default Re: Aluminum head repair

I'd try them as-is, but then again I have to do things over a lot. 8^)
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Old 05-14-2018, 07:13 PM   #11
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Default Re: Aluminum head repair

"If" they actually need to be fixed, welding is the best way to go, unless the quality of the aluminum is suspect. Fordbarners can comment on that based on the year if they are original heads. For example early Eddie Meyer heads are a poor quality aluminum that is not weldable.
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Old 05-14-2018, 07:21 PM   #12
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Default Re: Aluminum head repair

Devcon or better Belzona. I work in a Papermill and I've seen Belzona used in extreme conditions with 160# steam with no problems.
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Old 05-14-2018, 10:48 PM   #13
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Default Re: Aluminum head repair

https://www.belzona.com/en/products/1000/1111.aspx

Says "Excellent adhesion to... aluminum."

Temperature resistance: 93°C (200°F) immersed, 200°C (392°F) dry.

The photos are impressive.

Just passing it along.
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Old 05-15-2018, 12:09 AM   #14
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Default Re: Aluminum head repair

I vote Belzona too. 33 years, 2 paper mills, has made a believer of me. Different formulas, different applications, get the right stuff.
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Old 05-15-2018, 01:39 AM   #15
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Default Re: Aluminum head repair

That head looks usable to me.
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Old 05-15-2018, 08:23 AM   #16
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Default Re: Aluminum head repair

never heard of Belzona until now. Does the stated temp resistance data raise any concern?
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Old 05-15-2018, 08:52 AM   #17
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Default Re: Aluminum head repair

Belzona very pricery . check e bay
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Old 05-15-2018, 08:53 AM   #18
51 MERC-CT
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Default Re: Aluminum head repair

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron Pilger View Post
never heard of Belzona until now. Does the stated temp resistance data raise any concern?
The only thing that raises a concern to me is the price one would have to pay just to correct a cosmetic situation.
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Old 05-15-2018, 09:13 AM   #19
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Default Re: Aluminum head repair

Quote:
Originally Posted by whizzernick View Post
Belzona very pricery . check e bay
YIKES! At least $100. I don't care how good it is, that's overpriced.
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Old 05-15-2018, 10:36 AM   #20
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Default Re: Aluminum head repair

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Originally Posted by tubman View Post
YIKES! At least $100. I don't care how good it is, that's overpriced.

It's a matter of perspective. If you're repairing a head for an old Ford it may seem a bit expensive but, if your working to save a 10 to 50 K injection mould it's trivial.


Just an observation.
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Old 05-15-2018, 10:45 AM   #21
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Default Re: Aluminum head repair

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Originally Posted by D. Jones View Post
It's a matter of perspective. If you're repairing a head for an old Ford it may seem a bit expensive but, if your working to save a 10 to 50 K injection mould it's trivial.


Just an observation.
This is why they can overprice it.

Last edited by tubman; 05-15-2018 at 04:34 PM.
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Old 05-15-2018, 12:03 PM   #22
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Default Re: Aluminum head repair

I wholeheartedly agree with Tubman: Twenty-five years ago, I stumbled across a quote from a fellow named John Ruskin (1819-1900). This message has hung on my office wall ever since:

"It's unwise to pay too much, but it's worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money - that is all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot- it can't be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run, and if you do that you will have enough to pay for something better."
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Old 05-15-2018, 02:50 PM   #23
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Default Re: Aluminum head repair

I've come across a new method of eliminating the corrosion of the aluminum heads. By placing a coat of latex paint on the head gasket to eliminate the electrolysis that causes the erosion.. Will definitely give it a try. Can't hurt anything.
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Old 05-15-2018, 04:04 PM   #24
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Default Re: Aluminum head repair

Both sides or just the one towards the aluminum head?
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Old 05-15-2018, 06:26 PM   #25
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Default Re: Aluminum head repair

I don't really know, might as well ude both sides. Cam anyone think of a reason why this wouldn't work? I will definitely do this on my next build, which is relatively stock. But with alum heads and dual carbs.
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