1936 Crack in cylinder head- Help!

Timo

Timo

Junior Member
A crack has developed in my 1936 Woodie's cylinder head, where the water pump attaches to the cylinder head, (see attached photos).

It's leaking radiator fluid whenever I drive and I am praying I won't have to replace the whole cylinder head.

What to do? Can I weld it back together? Is there some miracle epoxy/glue out there? Do I just keep the radiator fluid topped off and live with it?

I am a bit of a rookie in repair, but handy with a tool and eager to fix it.

Many thanks for any advice...
 

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You might be able to limp it for a few extra miles by replacing the bolt with a nut and bolt. Maybe a 5/16" bolt will go through.

A skilled welder could probably repair that, but the head would have to come off to enable pre heat and proper weld prep. I would imagine it would be brazed rather than welded.

It would probably be easier to find a suitable replacement head. Cast iron heads are often discarded as virtually worthless.

Mart.
 
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First thing to try as others suggested. Drill it out for a bolt and nut, clean it good and fill with JB weld. JB weld is great stuff.
John
 
I also believe that could be welded/brazed as Mart said. What is the prefix number in front of part number on top surface of that head, 40, 48, or 68? I also have a few of those early 21 stud cast iron heads laying around that I probably never will have a use for.
 
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as suggested use a nut and bolt but use a washer on either side to spread the clamping force.
 
54vicky said:
as suggested use a nut and bolt but use a washer on either side to spread the clamping force.
Click to expand...

Do as suggested , BUT take off water pump clean both mating surfaces & install new gasket using 3M yellow weather strip cement on both surfaces & gasket & you should be good to go !;)
 
I would be tempted to braze it in place....not to much material to heat up.
Then just new gasket and back on the road...
 
Don't even have to drill it, just use a longer bolt, one that sticks through enough to put a washer and nut on
 
Timo - I'd weld it, not braze it. Have stick welded these with high nickel content rod.
Ronnie on this site, would TIG or GTAW weld process on this. Do some grinding, drill
a hole and you are down the road, without an anxiety attack waiting to happen, wondering
about the epoxy you put on. You have a high dollar ride, keep it on the road.
Come on out to Woodies on the Wharf this Saturday in Santa Cruz, Ca. and hang with hundreds of your woodie friends.
 
Thanks to all for some thoughtful and helpful tips. I've got enough support from you all to tackle it myself. Love these forums!
 
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