I bought a used cylinder head from a user on here and i just want to check that it is in good working order before i put it on. It came originally from Zombie86c i believe, and then to someone else and on to me.

I just wondered if there was any way i can check its okay, without sticking it in the engine!

Looks like i will have to use it either way, but if there is any way to find out if its defective, id like to know.

To the person i bought it from - please don't take offence, its not that i don't trust you, and thanks for the quick sale etc... Just want peace of mind if possible, before i go ahead with all the work.

Thanks folks!

I bought a used cylinder head from a user on here and i just want to check that it is in good working order before i put it on. It came originally from Zombie86c i believe, and then to someone else and on to me.

I just wondered if there was any way i can check its okay, without sticking it in the engine!

Looks like i will have to use it either way, but if there is any way to find out if its defective, id like to know.

To the person i bought it from - please don't take offence, its not that i don't trust you, and thanks for the quick sale etc... Just want peace of mind if possible, before i go ahead with all the work.

Thanks folks!

If you look in haynes it tells you how to check the operation of the tappets, and apparently you can check if the valves are closing up tight by pouring petrol in the manifold holes. It should not leak out the valve when it's supposed to be shut!

You could also check if the mating surface is dead flat with a steel ruler and feeler gauge. - that'sin haynes too.

and get a magnifying glass and inspect it for cracks. I think the thin area between the sparkplug hole and valve is where they tend to go but it's not really a common problem, still worth checking.