I recently acquired a 87 300TD, 220,00 miles with a #14 blown head. Motor just started to overheat. Pulled the head visible cracks between prechamber and valves. Head shop said the head surface has been milled before. They felt as if the gasket was the culprit due to coloration of remnants on the head, also no discoloration in exhaust manifold, or prechamber wash. Right now I need to pull the prechambers to get it pressure tested. They also feel by past experience with numerous aluminum that the head is weldable. Opinions? Also any insight on buying a used, Locations? Members? I have been searching for months for at least a deal. I have done extensive research regarding this head/problem, any advice or help is greatly appreciated.

I would skip the pressure test.

The pressure of combustion is far higher than what the shop will be using, plus the head will be subject to many other pressures and thermal loads. You already know it's cracked.

There have been a couple of people who have been told that it is weldable, but the common opinion here is that it is a design flaw and will re-occur even if the weld is successful, and that a replacement head (new or used) #16 or above is far better money spent.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

If you can see the cracks, think about the ones that you cannot see and that only open under pressure. A new or used head is the only way to go. -22 is the current one and may require some minor machining. If you go with a used one, better get it checked out before installing it.

Might want to investigate why the head went. Before installing the head, it would be a good idea to replace the radiator if you do not have records to document that it has been changed in the last 5 years. You should also take a look at the thermostat and water pump. There is also a switch right at the front of the engine on the top center that turns on the aux fan at 100 Degrees C. That switch and fan can bring down the temp in a hurry to protect your engine.

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87 300D 265Kmi
Factory rebuilt crate 603.96x engine at 200K

There are #14 heads out there that are not cracked.

Ten years ago, I blew the head gasket on our 300TD and decided to update the head.

My old #14 head was pressure tested and looked good, and went into storage. My friend eventually installed it on his 300SDL and it's been 3 years now, and his car is still running well.

Not all the #14 heads crack, and overheating is crucial to avoid, if the head is to be saved.

Jim

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14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles

I agree Jim, and I've been lucky enough to have a few of those up to 250,000miles verified by removing and inspecting/testing one of them.

However, given a choice, I'd prefer to install a later head with the thicker material between the combustion chamber and water jacket.

If you find a verified good #14 for the right price though, worth considering.

__________________

Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

Yea, my friend couldn't turn down the deal, only a buck and half for a good #14 head....

Jim

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14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles

I wouldn't fix a #14 head.

Get a #17 or above if you can, or a good #14 if the price is right.

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Michael LaFleur

'05 E320 CDI - 86,000 miles
'86 300SDL - 360,000 miles
'85 300SD - 150,000 miles (sold)
'89 190D - 120,000 miles (sold)
'85 300SD - 317,000 miles (sold)
'98 ML320 - 270,000 miles (sold)
'75 300D - 170,000 miles (sold)
'83 Harley Davidson FLTC (Broken again) :-(
'61 Plymouth Valiant - 60k mikes
2004 Papillon (Oliver)
2005 Tzitzu (Griffon)
2009 Welsh Corgi (Buba)

Thanks for the replies, they are appreciated. I know that putting a cracked/welded head back into the car is just a ticking bomb. I would love to find a newer used head. I live in Montana and I have a hard time tracking them down. I have found a few from online parts houses, however it is impossible to get a casting number from the non english speaking salesmen. Any leads on where to find one? Anyone know a member who has had success welding?
Thanks

Had a cracked #14 'oven welded' as he was told at the shop. It lasted about a year.

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1987 300D (230,000 mi on a #14 head-watching the temp gauge and keeping the ghost in the machine)
Raleigh NC - Home of deep fried sushi!