Head Surgery!

wwwcad · 05-30-2002, 01:27 PM

Hi,
I've learned that there is a place in CA where you can have your cracked Porsche heads welded. I was curious if anyone knows of a reputable, high quality shop in New York that does the same thing? I don't mind sending a head to CA, but I would prefer something a little more local if possible!

Thanks,
Bill

jluetjen · jluetjen's Garage

Call Chris Foley at CFR Welding in Manchester CT (860-647-1917). He's an excellent welder and does aluminum well. As reference, he's a 914 owner, SCCA and PCA racer and good guy and has done a number of different jobs for me. He doesn't have a problem with "small" jobs. If he doesn't think that he can do a good job, he'll let you know before hand.

Let him know that I said Hi!

Paul_Heery · Paul_Heery's Garage

I have to second the nomination for Chris Foley. I'm not sure about welding heads though, you'll have to ask him. If he can do it, go with him. If he can't, he will tell you so and tell you who can.

I had my 914 at his place a couple of weeks ago to get some work done. And, he didn't charge me extra for helping!

stlrj · 05-31-2002, 10:50 AM

Ever wonder why it cracked in the first place?

Symptom and causes of cracked head?

Joe

wwwcad · 06:03 PM

Hi,

Nope, I know why it cracked. I bought it after it had sat in a barn for 10 years. It had a blown piston as well due to heat problems created when the previous owner (in a fit of stupidity) put on an after market cooling system that couldn't do the job. I've ripped it out and thrown it away.

I've gone back to the original system during my rebuild. I expect it to work as designed by the German engineers! I read your piece on the metallurgical properties of aluminum. Nice explanation. I can't dispute the realities of the situation, I just hope I can find or repair heads when I need them!!

Thanks for all the info and advice,
Bill

jabb · 05-31-2002, 03:01 PM

I used Anchor Atlantic in NJ to have my heads redone .....
NOt sure about welding but you could check.... if they cracked from heat there could be other damage..... I would have a head guy look at them before having them welded...... Call Bob at Anchor Atlantic 856-589-5577

Oldporsche · 05-31-2002, 07:23 PM

Where is this head cracked? I have seen heads with broken guide bosses in the intake. This happened when the motor was overreved.

Good luck,
David Duffield

wwwcad · 05-31-2002, 08:32 PM

Hi,
The cracks are between each of the spark plug holes and the adjacent seats. You can't see them from the outside of the head, only from inside the combustion chamber. So, they aren't entirely through the head at this stage.