Slant 6 Head: metal rod in heads water jacket?

[J Glenn]

So... I just found it curious that there is an "almost floating" metal rod in the head. I mean it can't go anywhere, but it's "loose". Doesn't look like something that could have been put in there AFTER manufacturing, so I'm guessing it's a byproduct of the casting process? May it held something in place while the head was cast? Or??

 

[halifaxhops]

Have to say never saw that before. No idea.

 

[toolmanmike]

Engine ever been rebuilt? Looks like something I would use to clean the casting sand out of the coolant passages.

 

[6PakBee]

I've seen wire in blocks and heads that I've been told was there to reinforce the molds but what I've seen was smaller, around #10 or #12. That looks larger.

 

[briwill70]

Mine has the same thing. I assumed it was zinc or something to discourage corrosion?

 

[Slantsix64]

I believe they are there from casting/molding the head. I would leave it or pull it out your choice either way not gonna hurt anything.

 

[toolmanmike]

I poked around the internet this afternoon and couldn't find any mention of them being put in on purpose. It is possible though. I wonder if @slantsixdan has run into them before?

 

[slantsixdan]

Slantsix64 is correct; they're casting mould support wires. They're made of steel, so they contribute to cooling system rust. While you have the head off, remove them. Sometimes they fight you; grab hold with a sturdy pair of appropriate pliers and twist!

 

[toolmanmike]

Slantsix64 is correct; they're casting mould support wires. They're made of steel, so they contribute to cooling system rust. While you have the head off, remove them. Sometimes they fight you; grab hold with a sturdy pair of appropriate pliers and twist!

Thanks Dan.

 

[J Glenn]

Slantsix64 is correct; they're casting mould support wires. They're made of steel, so they contribute to cooling system rust. While you have the head off, remove them. Sometimes they fight you; grab hold with a sturdy pair of appropriate pliers and twist!

Thanks Dan! Once I heard I wasn't the ONLY guy to find this, I figured that's what it was. I had no plans to touch it (if it works: don't fix it). But, then, if people remove 'em, I'll remove it! (I just didn't want to create a problem out of a non-problem!)

 

[pishta]

Yup, I thought it was a coat hanger when I found it. I was able to pull mine out. I think I even mentioned it in an old post.
Found it..post 9
Engine Is Out, Now What?

 

[rich006]

My head had about 6 of them in it. I kept finding more.