Cracked head.

Post Reply
doc308
Member
Posts: 186
Joined: Mon Apr 07, 2008 8:43 pm
Bikes: 1969 XLH
2016 Softail Slim
Location: cohoes, ny
Has thanked: 1 time
Been thanked: 2 times

Cracked head.

#1

Post by doc308 »

I've noticed a leak that emanates from just above the front exhaust port on my '48 pan ( in the picture, the brown line is oil). It seems apparent that this is a crack.

Question--do you think that JB Weld might be appropriate to use as a trial before removing the head ( again)? It looks as though I can get at the crack fairly easily, if this is where it's coming from. I've seen other internet posts wherein guys have used the stuff to repair heads on cars. Would the Harley head get too hot for this?
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Bigincher
Former member
Senior Member
Posts: 2784
Joined: Tue Dec 18, 2007 2:10 pm
Bikes: 1941/59 EL
1952 FL
1977 FLH
1994 Fatboy
Has thanked: 22 times
Been thanked: 110 times

Re: Cracked head.

#2

Post by Bigincher »

Engine case and head repairmen routinely chip off JB weld that someone has tried to use as a bandaid. It might get you by for awhile, but there is only one solution--- welded repair by an experienced professional.
Motorcyclemike
Member
Posts: 227
Joined: Fri Apr 04, 2008 6:25 am
Bikes: Knucklehead and a Triumph
Location: North East Kansas
Has thanked: 36 times
Been thanked: 5 times

Re: Cracked head.

#3

Post by Motorcyclemike »

Plus: JB Weld can't take the high heat thats in that area.
Are you sure it's a CRACK ? and not just some OIL Seepage thru the aluminum ?? thats a very strange area for a crack to develop !
Do this.......clean that area off with some brake cleaner and then dust it with some baby power......ride it around slow and see exactly where its leaking......with the oil seeping thru the power as it will show a dark area.
Good luck.
MotorCycleMike*
old1955
Member
Posts: 196
Joined: Sat Feb 10, 2007 12:41 am
Bikes: 55FLE, 65FL
Location: Northern Rivers NSW, Australia
Has thanked: 21 times
Been thanked: 4 times

Re: Cracked head.

#4

Post by old1955 »

G'day Doc

You sure that's not running down from the pressed in welch plug 48-49s have
just above there. I think I see oil to the right too.

Pete
doc308
Member
Posts: 186
Joined: Mon Apr 07, 2008 8:43 pm
Bikes: 1969 XLH
2016 Softail Slim
Location: cohoes, ny
Has thanked: 1 time
Been thanked: 2 times

Re: Cracked head.

#5

Post by doc308 »

I didn't know that there was awelch plug in the heads. Where exactly is it located?
panz4ever
Senior Member
Posts: 696
Joined: Sat Jun 05, 2004 5:55 pm
Bikes: EL, FXE & FLH
Has thanked: 20 times
Been thanked: 74 times

Re: Cracked head.

#6

Post by panz4ever »

This...upper right in pic
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
doc308
Member
Posts: 186
Joined: Mon Apr 07, 2008 8:43 pm
Bikes: 1969 XLH
2016 Softail Slim
Location: cohoes, ny
Has thanked: 1 time
Been thanked: 2 times

Re: Cracked head.

#7

Post by doc308 »

Thanks !
Post Reply

Return to “Cylinderheads”