How to Inspect Used Heads?

Discussion in 'Small Block Tech' started by patwhac, Oct 4, 2019.

  1. patwhac

    patwhac Well-Known Member

    I'm going to try and check out a set of 350 heads this weekend:

    https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/pts/d/fairfield-buick-350-cylinder-heads/6980301414.html

    The pictures look nice but what can I do to visually inspect them in person? Should I bring any type of measurement tools? The seller does not know how much they were decked by but I'm worried about intake misalignment is they were decked a lot.

    I was planning to have my heads rebuilt but if I can talk him down a little this might be easier and save a little $$.

    What do you guys think?
     
  2. UNDERDOG350

    UNDERDOG350 350 Buick purestock racer

    Really only can tell by cc'ing the chambers. Ask if he had them magnafluxxed before the work was done. They may have cracks.
     
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  3. Jim Blackwood

    Jim Blackwood Well-Known Member

    If you have a spring compressor you can pop off a couple valve springs and check for wear, etc.

    Jim
     
  4. patwhac

    patwhac Well-Known Member

    I will ask him! Hopefully his word is good.

    Let's see I do have a valve spring compressor, just have to dig it up! Would I be looking for wear on the spring seat? Or should I try to remove a valve or two to inspect the guides?
     
    Last edited: Oct 4, 2019
  5. patwhac

    patwhac Well-Known Member

    Guy tells me they were magnafluxed and all work was done by this shop:

    https://www.yelp.com/biz/quality-cylinder-heads-pacheco

    Not sure if that really sheds light on anything but I asked if he had a job number so I could call them and ask for specs. He also said valves should be stock sized.
     
  6. Mart

    Mart Gold level member

    When you pop retainers, Grab the valve and wiggle it. The stem clearance should be tight if new guides were installed, or knurled, (which is a cheapee fix). Like .0013 intake, .0017 exh. clearance.
    Looks like stock valves, maybe springs also. Nothing special going on with those heads except they are clean, maybe cleanup cut & painted.
     
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  7. hugger

    hugger Well-Known Member

    Boat anchors,...
     
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  8. Quick Buick

    Quick Buick Arlington Wa

    Big difference on that word rebuilt.. 250$ -- 650$

    Most customers only want the 250 refresh.. They dont want to pay for the hardend seats, guides, mild porting..
    Your better off finding a good machinist than you can talk to about what is all involved.
     
  9. alec296

    alec296 i need another buick

    alittle pricy. Does he have receipts?
    Exhaust valves look kinda sunk.
    Put a straight edge across valve stem tips . Should not be uneven
     
  10. patwhac

    patwhac Well-Known Member

    Alright guys you've pretty much convinced me that used heads are just too much of a gamble. I just going to take my set to a machine shop as planned!
     
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  11. MrSony

    MrSony Well-Known Member

    Either way you'd be going to the shop.
     
  12. patwhac

    patwhac Well-Known Member

    True that! Might as well try and not potentially inherit someone else's mistakes.
     

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