Subject: Cracked Heads

Posted by Cliff Robb on August 11, 1997 at 13:37:01:

In Reply to: Cracked heads posted by John Hart on August 10, 1997 at 10:25:25:

: I too have a heating problem, that I'm slowly sorting : out. Unfortunately I should have replaced the fan clutch : when I replaced the water pump. How do I tell if my : head is cracked, short of removing it and having it checked : at the machine shop.

Since your car is a '79, you have the early design head which is more prone to cracking. Do you know if the car has ever overheated? Hopefully not. Two things to look for: Oil slime in your coolant overflow bottle, and/or milky slime in your oil. If neither of those things exist, & the engine seems to run good, the head is probably o.k. You ca also check your spark plugs to see how they are burning. You would like to see a hazy light to medium brown color. Check the other posts regarding overheating here & you will find all your solutions.