Edmunds Aluminum Head Repair

Unknown

I have an Edmonds Aluminum head with spark plug thread inserts that are comming out (unthreading) when the sparkplug is removed.



Any opinions or experence on the best way to repair? (The head is off the engine)



I was thinking of drilling and re-threding to accept larger 18mm Ford sparkplugs. One other idea is to weld up the holes and re-drill and re-thread to original 14mm size.



Thanks,

Sixshooter

Clutchguy

A Heli-coil insert is common in these. If the head is so bad that won't work,then I would weld and repair. Otherwise,it will always have 1 bastard plug in it. Also,make sure to check the cooling holes . Match them up to a new head gasket to verify what might not work. I just removed one from a '54 [stock head]and it is just worn out!! It has been in service a long time and leaked for a very long time. Corrosion has gotten the best of it.

Park_W

There some better inserts that will stay in place when you remove a plug. Take the head to a good automotive machine shop ... they'll know what to do with it. I just had three or four put in a splasher 8 head.

Unknown

One of the problems with the factory Hudson cylinder head is the fact that they were almost pure aluminum with no added alloys. They are real soft so extra care needs to be taken to; check head gasket torque and use antiseize on sparkplug threads. The latest head gaskets seal FAR better than the metal composite type. A good grade of antifreeze with distilled water also helps. Lou Cote

Unknown

Dealing with an Edmunds head, I surely think it warrants a good repair. Since it is of the vehicle, I would think having it welded and redrilled and threaded is your best option. They are hard to find, might as well make it right, and do it once.



I got a 262 (narrow block) Aluminum head here, that I picked up, might be one of the best I ever came across, probably will go on my car in the future.

50C8DAN

I used the Keensert type inserts on my H8 aluminum head and have had no problem.