Some people think it’s only necessary to check used parts and castings for cracks, but new ones may be defective too. You’re protecting your reputation as well as your bottom line when you take the time and effort to thoroughly inspect all of the major engine components for cracks – and this includes new parts and castings as well as used ones. A crack that propagates and spreads in a critical component such as a rod, main cap, crankshaft or cam can lead to fracture, part breakage and complete engine failure.Ĭhecking critical engine parts and castings is time well spent if it heads off a major problem that might result in a major engine issue or a warranty claim. It will continue to grow until eventually it causes a major problem like a combustion or coolant leak, an exhaust leak in an exhaust manifold or a vacuum or coolant leak in an intake manifold.
Once a crack starts, it always gets worse. Parts should be checked for cracks after they have been cleaned, before they are machined, and in some cases a second time after they have been machined, repaired or partially assembled (after installing a new seat in a head, sleeves in a block, etc.).Ĭracks are bad news because they never heal themselves.
