[Vwdiesel] cracks between valves

[LBaird119 at aol.com]

In a message dated 9/18/2006 5:56:45 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
db53248 at alltel.net writes:

> How big is too big? I took the head to the machine shop and the machinist
> said the rule of thumb is that if you can get your finger nail into the
> crack(s), they are too big and it is time for a different head. I have one
> crack at each set of valves and all are just big enough to hook my finger
> nail :-( Can the cracks be peened shut and prevent further growth?
> 

  I've used them with nearly 1/8" gaps in the cracks with no problems.  I 
had one with a fingernail size gap that leaked however I think that was 
from a crack in the exhaust port.  I generally rap/tap them with a hammer 
and a flat ended punch held lightly, until they're closed.
     Loren