welding an aluminium head (not for repair or port work)

[SirYun]

For my conversion project i have an aluminium BMW 16v head. it is in good condition and as spares are rather expensive i would be tempted to leave well enough alone.

As several oil drainback channels do not match the block I am mating it to, the common method is to TIG weld aluminium plugs into the head to block the passages.

I am very wary of this.
As far as i know you cannot properly weld a aluminium head without pulling seats, guides and putting it through heat treating and fully remachining it.

As you have extensive experiences with the ressurection of fallen aluminium race heads...
Am i being too cautious?

To circumvent the problem I'd much rather glue/epoxy the plugs into the head. If you can glue an airbus A380 together a simple plug should not be impossible i should think.

do you think this is a better practice as this is purely a port for oil drainback and does not need to withstand much?

thank you
Joost

[Guy Croft]

Joost, hi

can I see photos of the region please, top and bottom head views, then I can assess the best way.

GC

[SirYun]

camera is offline and i can find the right pics on the net either.


i have discovered the need for more welding than previously thought..i'm researching epoxy variants...