Vortec heads - where to check for cracks?
#1
Vortec heads - where to check for cracks?
So, long story short, don't clean the rust from a block by leaving the block in vinegar for a week.
Anyway - picking up a 98 Vortec tomorrow. Guy says oil and coolant mixing. Is this likely to be cracked heads? What should I look for?
Anything to look for in general?
It's a complete pull out with all accessories, etc.
Going to turn it into a 383. This time I'll choose a different cleaning method.
GD
Anyway - picking up a 98 Vortec tomorrow. Guy says oil and coolant mixing. Is this likely to be cracked heads? What should I look for?
Anything to look for in general?
It's a complete pull out with all accessories, etc.
Going to turn it into a 383. This time I'll choose a different cleaning method.
GD
Last edited by GeneralDisorder; 10-14-2017 at 10:19 PM.
#2
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Re: Vortec heads - where to check for cracks?
Oil mixing w coolant is more likely to be an intake gasket problem.
SBC heads, and most others (with the notable exception of 706 casting), typically are most prone to cracking between the valves.
SBC heads, and most others (with the notable exception of 706 casting), typically are most prone to cracking between the valves.
#4
Re: Vortec heads - where to check for cracks?
171k, milkshake on dipstick but turns over. Coolant came out bright orange dexcool so looks like no corrosion.
$200.
Did I do alright?
More pics as I tear down. If anyone needs intake or exhaust parts for a Vortec, PM me.
$200.
Did I do alright?
More pics as I tear down. If anyone needs intake or exhaust parts for a Vortec, PM me.
Last edited by GeneralDisorder; 10-15-2017 at 11:27 PM.
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Re: Vortec heads - where to check for cracks?
Between the valves and also around any bolt holes.
#7
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Re: Vortec heads - where to check for cracks?
dont bother with factory vortecs, its not if they will crack, but when they will crack. check out Blue print engines 190 cc intake heads, for the cost of a new set of vortecs and the machine work to be able to use a slightly bigger cam, you can get a new set of these aluminum heads that do flow slightly better and can already handle the extra lift right out of the box and shave weight off the front end for under a grand.
Last edited by fullsize fun; 10-20-2017 at 08:16 PM.
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Re: Vortec heads - where to check for cracks?
x2 you can tell unless you have them magged. Most used vortecs are cracked imo an over rated head
#9
Re: Vortec heads - where to check for cracks?
dont bother with factory vortecs, its not if they will crack, but when they will crack. check out Blue print engines 190 cc intake heads, for the cost of a new set of vortecs and the machine work to be able to use a slightly bigger cam, you can get a new set of these aluminum heads that do flow slightly better and can already handle the extra lift right out of the box and shave weight off the front end for under a grand.
#11
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Re: Vortec heads - where to check for cracks?
So, long story short, don't clean the rust from a block by leaving the block in vinegar for a week.
Anyway - picking up a 98 Vortec tomorrow. Guy says oil and coolant mixing. Is this likely to be cracked heads? What should I look for?
Anything to look for in general?
It's a complete pull out with all accessories, etc.
Going to turn it into a 383. This time I'll choose a different cleaning method.
GD
Anyway - picking up a 98 Vortec tomorrow. Guy says oil and coolant mixing. Is this likely to be cracked heads? What should I look for?
Anything to look for in general?
It's a complete pull out with all accessories, etc.
Going to turn it into a 383. This time I'll choose a different cleaning method.
GD
Can you please elaborate on cleaning the block with vinegar?? I have wondered if that could be made to work at home but it would take a very large container and a whole lotta vinegar. At home I clean all my iron small parts by a 2 day soak in vinegar. But never over 2 days. I think it could work for blocks but haven't got there yet. What I like is goes down the drain when done as it's eco friendly - and it works pretty darn good to on iron parts. Tried it once on magnesium valve covers but it killed those valve covers and used a bunch of vinegar to.
So what happened with a full week soak on a block???
#12
Member
Re: Vortec heads - where to check for cracks?
Looks like someone never changed their oil! But for $200 that's as good as it gets and if you sell all accessories/unused parts you should get alot of that back.
#13
Re: Vortec heads - where to check for cracks?
Heh. It heavily pitted all the surfaces - and the rust scale in the coolant jackets wasn't all gone yet even after a week. It damaged the lifter bores to the point they would have to be sleeved... If that's even possible.
I think the vinegar attacked the carbon in the cast iron. Basically turned it into a porous sponge looking surface. Pretty ugly.
I think with the level of rust that was in the jackets on that block.... well a different method would be needed for sure. Something that definitely cannot attack cast iron. I'm no chemist (obviously) but apparently mild acid is out....
GD
I think the vinegar attacked the carbon in the cast iron. Basically turned it into a porous sponge looking surface. Pretty ugly.
I think with the level of rust that was in the jackets on that block.... well a different method would be needed for sure. Something that definitely cannot attack cast iron. I'm no chemist (obviously) but apparently mild acid is out....
GD
#14
Re: Vortec heads - where to check for cracks?
I measured the cylinders - out of round and taper are all within a thou. I'm just going to drop in some stock sized forged pistons and run it - no honing. I might do the mainline and have some 4 bolt billet caps installed. Probably change out the cam bearings. Leave it at that.
GD
Last edited by GeneralDisorder; 10-22-2017 at 01:57 PM.
#15
Member
Re: Vortec heads - where to check for cracks?
Dude at least run a ball hone down the cylinders so new rings can seat.
Thx for following up on the vinegar method. I had to know from someone that's actually tried it.
Thx for following up on the vinegar method. I had to know from someone that's actually tried it.