View Full Version : ceramic coated header weld crack
rabiddawg
07-08-2009, 10:09 PM
looking for a easy fix short of welding the crack in my new headers.
crack is on the #1 primary tube inside the flange.
very small crack but noticeable "tick" while idling.
any good stuff for a temp repair until i get that side off this winter and weld it properly?
cepx111
07-08-2009, 10:17 PM
You might try some of that liquid steel epoxy or JB weld.
Sand the area down first if you can get to it and let the epoxy set 24 hours.
rabiddawg
07-08-2009, 10:28 PM
I do know JB weld is only good for 500 degrees.
I know this because i tried it and it sealled the leak but soon burned off after 10 mins of running.
johnracer
07-09-2009, 02:19 AM
I think I'd just leave it alone until you can remove the header and weld it.
gearhead1011
07-09-2009, 06:04 AM
I would go ahead and get it welded. The crack will grow and the damage will be worse. If you can find someone that can tig it from the inside the damage to the coating on the outside won't be very noticeable. You can probably touch it up with a little high temp aluminum paint. I've done that before with decent results. If that header has a slip joint on that tube that may be the reason it cracked. If that's the case you will want to add a bolt tab at the silp joint to keep it from cracking again.
FullTimeRacing
07-09-2009, 09:21 AM
driving it while the header is cracked is not a good idea ,if it is close to the head. cold air and hot valve is no good.
rabiddawg
07-09-2009, 12:11 PM
ok well I found some sealant at a local spped shop.
http://www.jcwhitney.com/THERMOSTEEL-ENGINE-REPAIR-COMPOUND/GP_2000759_N_111+10201+600016924_10101.jcw
they use it for repairs on their drag cars at the track with great results.
they said its next best thing to welding.
I applied and seems to work.
sqeezed some inbetween flange and primary tube and it isnt noticable.
but curing takes 4 hrs .
looks like a good quik fix item for the track
cepx111
07-09-2009, 11:43 PM
Leave it to Jcwhitey to come with something like that, glad you got it fixed.
Wonder if that stuff will work on a cracked engine block?
My dad has a 94 suburban that has a crack on the side of the motor near one of the freeze plugs, it's kinda of a small crack, worth a shot I guess, that "$25 a can money back garuantee block seal" didnt do squat :shock:
Must be some of that alien technology...lol
rabiddawg
07-17-2009, 04:33 AM
Been about a week and drove everyday and still no leaks.
this stuff works great!
though ill be removing it to properly weld the joint once the summer ends.