Slant 6 Head: metal rod in heads water jacket?

-
J

J Glenn

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 6, 2017
Messages
245
Reaction score
86
Location
Minneapolis
So... I just found it curious that there is an "almost floating" metal rod in the head. I mean it can't go anywhere, but it's "loose". Doesn't look like something that could have been put in there AFTER manufacturing, so I'm guessing it's a byproduct of the casting process? May it held something in place while the head was cast? Or??

slant6head_metalrod.jpg
 
Engine ever been rebuilt? Looks like something I would use to clean the casting sand out of the coolant passages.
 
I've seen wire in blocks and heads that I've been told was there to reinforce the molds but what I've seen was smaller, around #10 or #12. That looks larger.
 
I believe they are there from casting/molding the head. I would leave it or pull it out your choice either way not gonna hurt anything.
 
I poked around the internet this afternoon and couldn't find any mention of them being put in on purpose. It is possible though. I wonder if @slantsixdan has run into them before?
 
Slantsix64 is correct; they're casting mould support wires. They're made of steel, so they contribute to cooling system rust. While you have the head off, remove them. Sometimes they fight you; grab hold with a sturdy pair of appropriate pliers and twist!
 
slantsixdan said:
Slantsix64 is correct; they're casting mould support wires. They're made of steel, so they contribute to cooling system rust. While you have the head off, remove them. Sometimes they fight you; grab hold with a sturdy pair of appropriate pliers and twist!
Click to expand...
Thanks Dan.
 
slantsixdan said:
Slantsix64 is correct; they're casting mould support wires. They're made of steel, so they contribute to cooling system rust. While you have the head off, remove them. Sometimes they fight you; grab hold with a sturdy pair of appropriate pliers and twist!
Click to expand...
Thanks Dan! Once I heard I wasn't the ONLY guy to find this, I figured that's what it was. I had no plans to touch it (if it works: don't fix it). But, then, if people remove 'em, I'll remove it! (I just didn't want to create a problem out of a non-problem!)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
-

Back
Top