Atomic 4 problem

[Rick Stuart]

I goofed up and now need to fix a head on my atomic 4 (didn't winterise correctly) I fixed the freeze plugs then started the engine it ran well for a few min then water started squerting out of a crack in the casting, Could I use JB weld bond to repair the crack ?? Or any one know were a good used head is laying around looking for a new home?

 

[DeniseO30]

Moyer Marine.com is your answer

 

[BobM]

You certainly could use JB weld. I hopped on their site and it said "fix cracked engine blocks" on it. I'd invest the money saved on an "unlimited" towing policy though ;-)

 

[CalebD]

JB Weld is the product I would suggest for a temporary fix for this.
If you do a good repair job it MAY be more then a temporary fix but bears watching closely.
As DeniseO already suggested Moyer Marine can sell you a re-furbished head which would be a more permanent fix. You should join their forum anyway as there are a number of hands on A4 owners with a lot of knowledge there.
Did you leave cooling water in the engine over the winter?
Good luck.

 

[higgs]

I think it is new head time. Try the JB and see what it does. Once it fails go to Moyer Marine in PA.

 

[kloudie1]

Again, it depends on where the crack is.. If the crack is a ways from the bolt holes and spark plug holes, you can probably get away with an epoxy patch, like JB Weld, if ya clean it up really well and make sure it is bone dry when the patch is applied.. If the crack is in the water jacket only, it’ll be OK.. as long as it doesn’t crack across the gasket face or into the combustion chamber. Since this is a flathead engine, it is relatively easy to pull the head and take it to a machine shop or a shop that works with tractor engines and get the crack brazed.. again since the crack is only holding back the cooling water, it would probably be fine.. as long as it does not comprmise the strength of the head itself .