2.1 heads crack between seats

[strega]

Is there a concern if there is a crack in the aluminum head casting between the valve seat inserts. Heads are not leaking and crack looks like it may have been there a while since it was not seen before chamber was cleaned.
Does anyone know if there is a water jacket under that area.

[marcotheturbosteamengine]

forget about it, every WBX has a crack between the valves! the head in that area is 1in thick before water.
worry about somthing different!!! like is the cam going to go flat!!!!!!!!

[pocketrocket]

Yes, alot of the h2o boxer heads have cracks between the seats, but if the crack can be seen below the seats that head is just going to crack down to the water jacket. It needs to be replaced!! I have cut a stock VW h2o boxer head in two its about .700 to the water. As it cracks farther the press fit of the seat will loosen & seat will move & shift. I only use heads that are crack free for the engines I build for my customers. If its cracked it gets replaced!! Bead blast the port area under the seats & double check for cracks. I have seen the rebuilt heads (someone else did) that the seats were removed & welded between the seat area only to crack back out. Compression will pressurize the cooling system and blow water in to the overflow tank & into the exhaust system from water getting into the exhaust port. Engine will over heat!! It also destroys your oxygen sensor. Cracks don't fix them selves. Dont gamble with cracked heads!! Rocky

[Piledriver]

Yeah, I've only ever seen one or two wasser heads that weren't.

If it's a beater, I'd run them.

Is it practical to grind out/TIG or mig fill these heads?

I was considering installing bigger valves anyway, and perhaps even relocating the exhaust a few mm first

When the heads are "free" and so is the welder/mill, its tempting, but is there a high probability of it going south?

I wish the AMC castings were available bare... and cheap.