I maintain a few classic cars for a friend. One is a '71 E-Type, with a 4.2 engine.
This year I have noticed Anti-freeze pooled in the spark plug wells on two cylinders.
After a lot of cleaning and studying, it appears as though the Anti-Freeze is "seeping" into the plug wells through cracks in the head. These cracks cannot been seen with the eye, but are "almost" visible using a magnifying glass.
I don't believe the cracks extend into the engine, since there are no signs of any internal contamination, but that certainly isn't a guarantee.
A few questions:
1. Is this a "common" occurrence?
2. Can these cracks be successfully repaired using Tig welding?
3. Anyone know of a good repairer in Ontario, Canada?
4 Price range of repair, and price range for a replacement head?


Any and all advice would be most gratefully accepted.


JR

 

A lot will depend on the nature of the cracks....They are (I'm told) sometimes caused by old or incorrect coolant , weakening the head aluminum.....
There are two good ways to fix...One, of course, is welding....Either TIG, or MIG, depending on the extent and location...
The other is by "stitching"...Which requires drilling and inserting "pins" of the same material....Both methods can work well....Both, require expert repairs....
Sadly, some cannot be repaired....
Make sure you take it to a recognized Jaguar-cylinder head specialist....Not just any machine shop.
Edward