"stryped" wrote in message
...
I have been searching online for cylinder heads. Is this a good deal:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DODGE...Q5fAccessories

I had a few questions and appreciate you guys educating me. I am
learning alot.

1. I expected there to be a problem with either the gasket or head on
the driver's side as there was coolant coming out of the firewall side
spark plug hole. But was a little surprised both heads were cracked. I
watched the guy do one. He used the magnaflux powder and a magnet. I
know there are some shops that pressure test. I wonder if it is
possible for a head to have a crack that would not cause a problem.
Would pressure testing show a head as alright when magnaflux says it
is cracked? Would it be wise to have one or both heads pressure
tested? I am assuming that the drivers side is probably no good. The
guy noted after thaking the intake valve off that there was rust in
there. Still not sure if that is from the head or gasket.
----------------------------------------------------
Yes, the heads could be cracked, especially between the valves, and still
not leak. This is not unusual at all, and many good heads are scrapped
dailey, because mag testing revealed superfical cracks. If there is no
evidence of leaking past the valve, the crack could easily be insignicate.


2. I could just have the passanger side pressure tested and if it
showed ok only buy one head. It would cost me 30 bucks to have it
tested. If it were good. Would it be acceptable to have one "new" head
with a valve job and everything and one old head without a valve job?
Would both heads need to be milled even if they are not warped so they
are the same "height"?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you do a valve job, do both sides. If you surface, do both sides equally.
If you replace only one head from a salvage, check the casting numbers. If
you can't find a match for your good head, buy and replace both. If you
replace only one, check for surfacing to keep them equal.
Is all this absolutley necessary, no, but for performance and fuel economy,
it does make a difference.


3. I know the proper thing to do is probably to rebuild/replace the
engine. I am now just wanting to sell it at the local auction or
possibly to an individual. There is a chance I may be downsized and I
may have to drive alot farther than I am now to find a job. My idea is
to take any money I can get and put it on something that gets decent
gas mileage. Maybe an older civic accord with 100,000 or so on it.
WOuld this be a reliable type vehicle?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's possible you simply had a head gasket leak. If so, you might be about
to pressure check and replace the single head with good results. Shop for a
good and HONEST machinest. He might save you a fortune. Visit a few
different shops and ask questions before you spend more money. Don't just
throw money at it. It will swallow everthing you throw whether you need it
or not.






ANyway I am just weighting my options. I really appreciate everyone's
patience and help!