Anyone with insight in the 331 hemi heads? From a 54' Chrysler, the crack around the spark plug casting seems to have been there for a while. I have not added water or tried to start so not sure what effect that crack will have.
A hard seat probably would take care of the valve seat but it doesn't look like you could sew the remaining crack all the way to the end.
I agree, it appears to me the crack goes almost halfway around the bore and continues both left and right of it.
Looks like a Freeze brake. No matter how you fix it the head needs to come off. Lift the head, cap all but one water port and poor water in the last open one. That's going to answer a lot. Prior to lifting the head off remove the Valley cover and look behind the push rods for more cracks.
Where are you located? I think I might have a single '54 head assuming the pair I plan to use check out okay. I am pretty sure they are good. What is the casting number on your head(s)? Dave
That's not worth fixing I'd also be very suspect of the block it was on as it looks like freeze damage. That head crack means the system was full of its freeze damage. A jump up to 55 heads will give you water outlet ports. The 55 heads sought after for their better flow,,,, the 54 heads have the same internal design and flow sans the water outlet.
You now have a large paper weight....and yes, it is freeze damage. On a 54 block you are better off to stay with 54 heads. You could use later heads but to no real advantage and the disadvantage will be having the 'end ports' sticking out with no purpose. .
Thanks for all feedbacks, I found a rebuilt set on ebay for 499. Those suppose to be 51-53 heads, any issues with using them on the 54'?. I need to pull the engine anyway, just hope that the engine block are still alive.
I don't think you want the earlier heads. The '54's were a big improvement. I'd pursue the guy who may have a spare '54 head.
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