JD H Head Replacement

Don

The price of $395 for a rebuilt head isn't bad at all. However, you are taking someone else's word for the quality of the work done. It all depends on who you buy it from. A stripped head for $150 or $200 isn't bad either. If you buy one of these heads insist that the seller have the head magnafluxed, or give you a return if you have it magnafluxed and it is cracked. This will insure that you aren't stuck with another cracked head. Other costs include: cleaning, re-surfacing, and reassembly. It also depends on the condition of your valvetrain in the old head. Certainly install new hardened valve seats. It's probably a good idea to install new valve guides, so while you're at it, you might as well spend the bucks on new valves too. It is very easy to get caught in the domino effect of repair and restoration but is also senseless to install a worn part in a new head. Just make sure that you don't look at the cylinder walls when you remove the head or you'll probably end up tearing into that too! Talk to a local machine shop and get prices on building up the bare head. Then you can really compare apples to apples! I rebuilt the engine on my father-in-law's 1939 H, so feel free to ask any questions. Have fun!