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Small Cracks in Cylinder head

ukjules

ukjules

Forum Sage
1980 GS550ET

I have just had to get a second hand Cylinder Head.
It arrived and seems ok, the normal stripped exhaust threads and possible need
for a skimming but I noticed some very fine cracks.

It is ok bar this. The cracks do not (even though they might look like they do) go
to the inside of the head.

I wonder what your thoughts are on this ?
Bare in mind I am going to continue my hunt for a perfect Cylinder head but will
this one do for a bit ?
I have no expereince in these fine cracks ....

I have higher res pictures and pics of the three cracks ...
 

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I would not feel happy using that head. Looks like it has been torqued down onto an uneven cylinder block. What is it off ?, you don't say and it's not in your sig. If it is a GS550 I have 2 spare heads you could have for postage cost.
 
Thanks for info - I updated the original message - tis a 1980 gs550et

I seem to be collectingheads but that is not a bad thing as I intend keeping this bike forever.
I would be interested in your head !
I know from expereince postage is about ?10 - parceltogo .....

I agree I am not happy with it and do need another.

Out of interest though - if it had to work - do you think it would ?
 

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P.S my carbs look like this - this helps in identyfying the head !
 

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Whoever sold you a cracked head with bad exhaust threads needs to refund your money. The "normal stripped exhaust threads and possible need
for a skimming" is not normal, nor are cracks.
 
you are right a bit of a rip off BUT
I got a cylinder that i have cleaned up and is fine now and bolts, valves, shims, cams
rocker cover. Many spare parts for my semi engine rebuild.

it is bad that this is the case but i am half way there as now only need another head.

I will see if when i take it to be skimmed if it is knackered.
I would like to know what the engineering guys say and what would happen if i used it.
 
when those crack's gets a few more mm longer, you ARE GOING TO HAVE A OIL LEAK YOU CANT FIX.. trash that head before it cost you more $$ and time in the long run..
 
Thread is old but I took the risk and head is perfect now bar those cracks. Have done 200m so far and best bike has been. I have another head I am going to prep just in case. Engineering co informed that cracks were OK . they don't look good but are OK with a mag glass ! Agree if i was not a pauper I would trash that head but that ain't an option. Cracks were caused by levering not mechanical too so there is nonreason to think they will or can spread, as long as I remove all the bolts when I take it off. Poverty forces me to use it though !
 
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