9 replies to this topic

[lsto]

Hi all, I have acquired a crusty 295 head that looks like it's been sat in a lake but anyway before I decide what I want to do with it I want to know if it's been modified for unleaded. I have popped out an exhaust valve and it seems like it has a seat fitted but I have little experience with old castings. If anyone could confirm I would be very grateful.
Cheers

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[Lplus]

Doesn't look fitted for unleaded to me.  The recessed valve seat suggests it isn't and the apparently machined area around the seat is standard manufacturing machining.

[cal844]

That's not converted.

[bpirie1000]

May even be worth using as an exchange head for one that has already been reworked..

[lsto]

Happy days, thank you everyone. Just out of curiosity is the ring inside a normal mark or did they have an insert fitted when they were first made?

[lsto]

May even be worth using as an exchange head for one that has already been reworked..

It was very cheap lol I'm not sure what I want to do with it at the moment but that is actually a good shout. I was toying with a complete refresh, new guides, seats, valves and springs, gentle port and polish and a very light skim, all assuming it's not cracked under the rust...

Edited by lsto, 22 November 2023 - 06:59 PM.

[PACINO]

The question would be if that cylinder head is really a good idea fitting in a engine. I see it super deteriorated and full of rust.

[Lplus]

Happy days, thank you everyone. Just out of curiosity is the ring inside a normal mark or did they have an insert fitted when they were first made?

If you mean the vertical face below the seat with a circular base, that's the result of cutting the throat concentric with the valve guide hole during manufacture.  No hardened seats were fitted to 12G295 heads at manufacture that I know of.

[lsto]

If you mean the vertical face below the seat with a circular base, that's the result of cutting the throat concentric with the valve guide hole during manufacture. No hardened seats were fitted to 12G295 heads at manufacture that I know of.[/quote]

Perfect, that is the answer I was looking for. I was under the impression that on leaded heads the seats were ground into the original castings and if it had been converted to unleaded they had hardened seats pressed in and cut, I thought that's what the ring was but wanted to clarify as I've never played with leaded gear before.

[lsto]

The question would be if that cylinder head is really a good idea fitting in a engine. I see it super deteriorated and full of rust.

Don't worry I'm not about to bolt it on and hope for the best lol, I'm well aware of the piss poor condition but it was so cheap if it ends up as a paperweight I'm not worried. I'll get it cleaned and if it turns out to be in sound enough condition then we will see what options are available to rework it

Edited by lsto, 23 November 2023 - 03:31 PM.