Help! I just busted my head (200 CID)

[Anonymous]

Hi Folks,

I need some help.

The car:
65 Ranchero
Recent rebuild 200 CID (2K Miles)
Headers 6/2
Everything else stock

The problem:
During a starter replacement I had to remove the headers (no clearance). New starter went in fine but while attempting to reinstall the header bolts I busted off a piece of the head (threads). It is the furthest bolt to the rear on top, looks like it was rusted out a bit.

Now what??

1)Is head repairable?
2)Find a replacement head?
3)Or is this a good opportunity to find an alternative head/intake solution which would help with my carburation limitations.

If option 3 is the way to go is there a bolt on solution? Or at least something close to it.

Thanks Guys!!

Rancherodave
Orange, CA

 

[Gene Fiore]

You could just wait until Mike's aluminum head is ready. That will definately solve the log head limitations and will be offered with both a four barrel and two barrel removable intake manifold. Of course you'll have to wait until at least October before they will be ready.

 

[addo]

It can often be brazed back together. Some people might advocate welding.

This is a repair best performed with the head off. Slow cooling of the repair is a key to durability.

Cheers, Adam.

 

[61Futura]

Maybe you could use a bolt & nut with a distributor hold down clamp as a washer that grabs the head where the piece broke off. Or something similar that grabs hold of the head so you can tighten the header to it.

 

[Anonymous]

I would love to wait until the heads are available but it is/was my Son's daily driver.

I may just fix it now then buy the new heads in October, then make him trade cars with me.

Good plan, I like it!

Thanks Guys!!

Rancherodave

 

[wallaka]

I had the front one break off and mig'd a stud in. It's been there for four years with no problems.

 

[Anonymous]

I used to melt the bolts out with a gas axe. Worked at a T-Bird shop way back then, The FE's top exhaust bolts would break off in the head all the fooking time.

 

[LaGrasta]

2000 miles on the rebuild? Take it back to them and have them fix it correctly. Pay them accordingly. Maybe they'll give you a break as a repeat customer in such a short time.

 

[hotrodbob]

If you need a core to rebuild I have one you can have. I have one off the motor. It's rusty from sitting out, but can be rebuilt. I also have a 170 head on a motor. Just let me know if this will help.

I'm in Burbank and work in Cerritos.

 

[kirkallen143]

The first top bolt section towards the front on my head busted off when I started working on this engine. I first brazed it with unitectic welding rod (bonds to all metals) did not hold @ 15 ftlbs torque. Decided to weld with mig and 0.035" wire, still holding with 18 ftlbs torque.

Kirk

 

[Anonymous]

Guys,

Thanks for all the replies!! This board is awsome.

Looks like I have options for repairing the head but what about replacing it with a later model head/intake combo. Did Ford use this block with a more standard head intake configuration? This would allow me to change carburation thus provide more adiquate fuel/air flow.

Thanks again guys!