♫one of these things is not like the other♪

Look at the number 8 cylinder intake valve. See how nice and shiny? Like it has been steam cleaned. I think I have located my crack.

 

yup sure looks different to me. Can you see a crack??? It could also be the intake gasket leaking into the runner causeing the same thing. Being its #8 its right next to the water jacket. Be sure heads are expensive. keep us posted

 

It is not the head gasket. The head gasket actually looks new. I think the guy who sold me the car tried to fix it by replacing the head gaskets.
The cheapest head I can find, since my head cannot be used as a core, is $500!
I am going to pick up a junkyard head this weekend for 50 bucks, and see if that helps.
Since I would have to save for like, 4 months to get 500 together.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DODGE-DAKOTA...item2575a58c0d

This will work for you. I would highly recommend re lapping the valves to check the fit.

 

First, thank you!

Second, has anyone gotten heads from them? This almost seems to good to be true.

I was going to hit the junkyard tomorrow, but this seems like an awesome deal!

 

I had no idea how to lap valves. This is the first time I have actually disassembled a head. I found a lot of great videos on doing it.

 

I have used heads from them. They are NOT a performance shop and also do business under the name Clearwater Cylinder Heads. I though their work and product was good. I say lap the valves on the heads as a check on all R and R heads. Just use dykem on the seats and valves and use a fine grit as you are just checking the fit.

 

Is your engine an LA or Magnium there is a difference? Be sure to save yourself more problems.

 

It is a Magnum. The guys said it was a Magnum 5.2L out of a 1996 Dodge Ram.

 

OK then thats what you should get. Did you see the crack or are you just hoping the head will fix it????

 

It is a crack in a place I have no way of seeing. Apparently it is not uncommon for a crack to appear between the water channel and intake.

 

Don't forget about the core ?? I would buy it if I needed one.

 

Well I found the crack. I did a careful inspection of the chambers.
The number 8 intake chamber has a crack.
Check it out.

 

Put the valves back in the head and play dumb. save $$$$

 

That's fixable. They will heat the whole head to 3-400 ?? degrees & then weld the crack. Then cover with heat blankets VERY slowly let it cool. Then Clean up the weld

 

That would be for the core charge.

 

I already ordered the head that pro-tech suggested. They do not care if the core is damaged, or even assembled. Can hardly wait until it comes!

 

I know that feeling it seems like all I do is wait for stuff to come. Like my car back from the paint shop. I have a ton of stuff to put on the car and to do. Spring is fast approaching and I want it ready to cruise.