C-15 Cracked Head

Dont quote me on this but i believe cat had a problem with the heads cracking there and when it first started they would warranty it but they quit b/c it had no effect on engine performance. I dont think they will leak coolant there either. I may be wrong tho. Mr. Haney or another member will be able to inform you.

 

Why don't you take it to a mechanic and have a plate welded on it, or do it yourself?

 

Most do crack between the exhaust valves, sometimes the cracks get bad enough to leak coolant but not that often. The usual cause is a blown head gasket around the 4/5 cylinder area. Make sure you check the liner heights before assembly, if the liners are low it will blow a head gasket in no time.
I'd go a reman head they are just as reliable but half the price, make sure you get the one with the inconal valves though, its only about $200 more, they handle the heat much better. You can also get what Cat call an upgrade to new head (or UTN) which is a new head with a reman part number and your still give them your head back, price varys but they are a cheaper option than buying new.

 

The C15's dont have the spacer plate like the 3406's do they?

 

They do but they are made of steel rather than alumimium.

 

How big were the cracks between the valves? When i overhauled mine (5EK with 1mil miles) there was small cracks between pretty much every valve on the head but i reinstalled the original head anyway, lol. It did not and has not let any coolant into the oil or lost any coolant since i've owned it knock on wood. I figured i'll run it till the oil samples come back with bad news.