Crack between valve seats (bridge cracks), ok to run?

[adampecush]

Upon disassembling and cleaning my newly purchased low mile head, I stumbled upon this:

This is the largest of 3 cracks in identical spots on the head. It doesn't extend into the intake or exhaust port, it is just superficial. Is it ok to run like this?

Auto makers seem to think that these cracks are not a problem. Anybody with additional experience?

Adam

 

[jonahs_supra]

i have not had experience with this yet
i personally would not run it...with the head expanding under heat i would be afraid of the seat falling out

 

[adampecush]

cock. this head had a really nice port job too.

 

[jonahs_supra]

lol sorry
maybe somebody with more experience in a machine shop could shed some info like IJ

 

[adampecush]

another one of my experienced sources said junk it as well...

 

[jetjock]

It will propagate. It's what cracks do. Stress riser you know...

 

[adampecush]

yeah, that's their nature I suppose. was kind of hoping to hear something along the lines of "that stuff is normal for these heads" or "they come like that"...

 

[hvyman]

Wouldn't run that. Find a ge head off a Cressida and do a hardness test

 

[adampecush]

well, I appreciate the bad news guys. thanks.

Now, to get some $ back from the seller.

 

[Nick M]

+1 for posting a quality picture.