How to pressure test a DC head

David R Inman · Nov 27, 2014

Took the head off a second DC, Visually looks ok, but would like to pressure test. See link for previous thread regarding.

Normally we'd use freeze plugs but we dont see how with these oblong water ports? Bolt a board over and drill/cut out where the engine cylibders are at?

Thanks.

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David R Inman · Nov 27, 2014

The second tractor the came off of is also locked up, with #2 by far the worst looking bore.

rustred · Nov 27, 2014

you need a piece of say 1/4 in. steel plate the size of the head. then get some red gasket material the same size. then bolt this all to the head. then install a pressure guage at the top spigot with a hose and give it 25-30 psi and watch the guage . if it sits still its ok , if its dropping you have a leak, hopefully not the gasket you made.

Lpakiz Larry · Nov 27, 2014

I would recommend that you take it to an automotive machine shop. They will have a test jig there, which will allow them to plug or cap all the water holes, yet let the combustion chamber, head surface and the top side of the head exposed to your view. Then it is pressurized and sprayed with soapy water. Cracks in the water passages will show up as bubbles 99.9 percent of the time.
They can also magna flux it, which will also show cracks, but this is not quite as definitive.
You could call ahead for an estimate, usually charged by the cylinder.

How to pressure test a DC head

David R Inman

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David R Inman

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rustred

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Lpakiz Larry

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