NewOldsGuy

I have a "66 Olds Dynamic 88. Last week had white smoke from tailpipe so towed it to my machanic. What ever happened caused problem with radiator because of backpressure from engine in it and blew hoses (replaced radiator). Had heads tested and passenger side head is badly cracked. I'm not a mechanic so just want to know what we should do next so I don't get sold a bill of goods. Ignorance is expensive in this world. Thanks guys

citcapp

How did the mechanic determine the head was cracked and not just a blown head gasket which will have the same effect of pressurizing the cooling system. Any water show up in the oil pan?

CQR

Agree. Unless the crack is visible externally, it could be a bad gasket with the same symptom. If you have faith in your mechanic I would allow teardown and inspection only to see if a head is cracked or not. Have him call you when its apart to see for yourself. I would have no problem allowing my customer to come down and see what we found after teardown.

442scotty

It needs to go to a good head shop and be checked...if it is cracked a good shop should be able to weld the crack.

2blu442

OK, first of all as the other guys suggested did your mechanic remove the heads to test them? If one is cracked you can replace that one with a used head. Or take this time to rebuild a pair of heads to install if the engine has low miles and is still tight. OR take this time to rebuild the engine replacing the cracked head in the process. I think it depends on how long you plan to keep your car, how much you use it, and if you have the extra funds to go through the motor or not. John

442scotty

what he said...

Warhead

I have a clean bare, small valve B casting in the garage.
It has a .010" deck surface on it too.
$70, and I will be going to Alliso Viejo in Aug, I can take it with me that far, for NO charge.

Jim

NewOldsGuy

Thanks guys for the feedback. They had a good local shop magnaflux the heads and the one had a bad crack (i saw the result) ...so got a good replacement and resurface the other. Shop be ready in a couple of days