Cracked head

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Jaf
Posts: 534
Joined: 09 Dec 2010, 20:17
x 31

Cracked head

Unread post by Jaf »

Took the head off my 1.9td xantia, machine shop pressure tested it because of a crack on one cylinder. They said it can't be welded (though I was surprised at this).

I'm weighing up options:
Second hand engine is around 350e. Could get a head for a bit less, maybe 250e.
Scrap the car.
Or JB weld the crack.
20211019_171150.jpg
Fred, a silver 1998 1.9TD SX Xantia.
Gwin, a white 1994 1.1 AX.
Datadogie
Posts: 33
Joined: 25 Jun 2021, 19:42
x 8

Re: Cracked head

Unread post by Datadogie »

wheeler
Posts: 7115
Joined: 21 Sep 2002, 19:07
x 801

Re: Cracked head

Unread post by wheeler »

Looks pretty bad, looks like you have cracking on the swirl chambers too. I dont think I would chance this incase there is damage to the block too. I’d go for a 2nd hand engine if it were me.
Jaf
Posts: 534
Joined: 09 Dec 2010, 20:17
x 31

Re: Cracked head

Unread post by Jaf »

Yeah I've got another engine. Went to the scrappy this morning and they've just delivered it. How's that for service?

Have to take the alternator and LHM pump off and swap over the fuel pump. I now have 4 fuel pumps!!

Might have to swap or at least remove the manifolds in order to fit the engine.
Fred, a silver 1998 1.9TD SX Xantia.
Gwin, a white 1994 1.1 AX.
User avatar
white exec
Posts: 7445
Joined: 21 Dec 2015, 13:46
x 1754

Re: Cracked head

Unread post by white exec »

Some things work rather well in Spain!
Good luck with the new engine.

XUD engines do not like low coolant levels or trapped air in/around the head. When refilling, do a thorough job bleeding the air out, preferably with a temporary header bottle attached to the expansion tank.

Might also be worth having the injectors serviced (this last cost me about €70 for all four, injectors taken off the car), as a poor injector spray pattern can cause swirl-chamber and piston damage. At least you'll have a spare set to have done.
Chris
Jaf
Posts: 534
Joined: 09 Dec 2010, 20:17
x 31

Re: Cracked head

Unread post by Jaf »

Yes Chris, great service and he warned me about swapping over the fuel pump and told me how to seperate the gearbox. I showed him the old box and told him I've changed the pump before and the metal is horrible! Ha ha. Solenoid doesn't translate, he said immobiliser and I've no idea what armour is. He wouldn't take a tip.

I had a quick look at BoL, says engine and gearbox come out together. Am I missing something obvious? I've had the gearbox out so I know they can be separated in situ.

Things to do: recondition injectors, change cambelt, change glow plugs. Clutch is practically new. Cambelt looks new and the timing lines up (yay) but I'm not risking it.

Best way to lock engine to undo crankbolt? Might have wait until engine's back in, then use the starter trick.
Fred, a silver 1998 1.9TD SX Xantia.
Gwin, a white 1994 1.1 AX.
Jaf
Posts: 534
Joined: 09 Dec 2010, 20:17
x 31

Re: Cracked head

Unread post by Jaf »

Got the driveshafts off today and a couple of bits and pieces. Rain forecast tomorrow, so have covered up new engine. Will be good to spend some time tidying up tools, I've made quite a mess!

Wondering if I can disconnect the LHM pump from the engine and leave it in situ. Pipes look fiddly.
Fred, a silver 1998 1.9TD SX Xantia.
Gwin, a white 1994 1.1 AX.
Jaf
Posts: 534
Joined: 09 Dec 2010, 20:17
x 31

Re: Cracked head

Unread post by Jaf »

Storm has washed away the roads and I have no tap water. I'm not doing any work until the water's back.
Fred, a silver 1998 1.9TD SX Xantia.
Gwin, a white 1994 1.1 AX.