Hairline Cracks on Top of Engine. Concerning?

[sunbyrned]

I’m changing spark plugs and noticed some hairline stress cracks on the engine head. Anything I should be concerned about? Thanks!!

 

[Babin Farms]

I doubt you will have an issue. I see a lot of cast aluminum with cracks like that. Just don't overtighten those bolts down.

 

[sunbyrned]

I doubt you will have an issue. I see a lot of cast aluminum with cracks like that. Just don't overtighten those bolts down.

Wonderful! Thanks!

 

[Dixemon]

I agree, dont reef on that casted riser. Those hairline cracks could last the life of the motor, just dont make it worse.

 

[HawaiiBreeze]

If memory serves I believe this is just basically a valve cover and I think it's just the casting flaws and there is no sign of any outward oil seepage.

Boat On!

 

[3abadi]

I would recommend to use a dye penetrant or crack check dye to ensure these are not deep. Just to be in the safe side.

 

[sunbyrned]

I would recommend to use a dye penetrant or crack check dye to ensure these are not deep. Just to be in the safe side.

Thank you. I read about this but I’m only seeing how it exposes cracks and nothing about the depth. How will I be able to determine the depth?

 

[I_squared_r]

There's nothing to be worried about. Cast aluminum parts always look like this.

 

[3abadi]

Thank you. I read about this but I’m only seeing how it exposes cracks and nothing about the depth. How will I be able to determine the depth?

As the other experienced members have mentioned, probably there is nothing to worry about.

For the dye penetrant, in general, deeper cracks will trap more dye than shallow.

 

[sunbyrned]

As the other experienced members have mentioned, probably there is nothing to worry about.

For the dye penetrant, in general, deeper cracks will trap more dye than shallow.

Gotcha! That makes sense.

 

[2kwik4u]

FYI, that is the valve cover and not the engine head. Just to be clear. Only risk you are running with those cracks is oil seepage through the top of the valve cover to atmosphere.

Those bosses hold the coils in place if memory serve me right. There is no imminent danger even if one broke completely off.

 

[sunbyrned]

FYI, that is the valve cover and not the engine head. Just to be clear. Only risk you are running with those cracks is oil seepage through the top of the valve cover to atmosphere.

Those bosses hold the coils in place if memory serve me right. There is no imminent danger even if one broke completely off.

Gotcha! I shouldn’t have called it the head. Was just thinking the top. But, I’m not mechanically inclined at all so good to know. Appreciate it!

 

[2kwik4u]

Gotcha! I shouldn’t have called it the head. Was just thinking the top. But, I’m not mechanically inclined at all so good to know. Appreciate it!

As you know I'm local. Let me know if it gets worse and you want me to come look at it. Not sure how much I could help, but it's there if you want it.

 

[sunbyrned]

As you know I'm local. Let me know if it gets worse and you want me to come look at it. Not sure how much I could help, but it's there if you want it.

I appreciate that! If you’re ever on the Ohio or Taylorsville Lake, give me a holler.