Cracked head 2014 300

[dANbOT]

In the middle of a ride yesterday, I slowed down to look back and check on the slower guys in the group, and saw steam coming from my engine. After some looking around, I spotted a crack on the top surface of the head.
After getting the bike home, I can see there is also a crack in the combustion chamber. There are no impact marks of any sort inside or outside. The engine did not seem to be running poorly or lean up until I noticed the steam.
Anyone see this before?

 

[roverhybrids]

Wow, never seen that.

Did you have the head cut?

Gotta band saw to cut it in half?

 

[dANbOT]

I took the top end off this morning to inspect the rest of the inner workings.
Piston, rings, and cylinder look mint.
I'm guessing an S3 head will be easier to get than an OEM. Any suggestions as to who in the USA or Canada wold have S3 heads in stock ready to ship?
S3's site has Ryan Young Products listed as their only American distributor. The RYP site lists the head kits for sale, I'll be calling tomorrow to see if he has one in stock for me. Other options?

Still not sure how this happened, aside from the suspicion of a flaw in this head. I have no signs of det, or physical impact whatsoever.

 

[Moto7man]

Try motocrosscenter.com.

 

[PEB]

mine did the same thing a couple monthes ago. I think i had been running it with the crack for awhile. Mine leaked enough to fill bottom end with coolant.

 

[dANbOT]

Try motocrosscenter.com.

That's in my back pocket, thanks. I am trying to find a closer source with cheaper shipping / faster delivery.

mine did the same thing a couple monthes ago. I think i had been running it with the crack for awhile. Mine leaked enough to fill bottom end with coolant.

After I realized there was an issue and stopped, the bottom end filled up on mine too. So if you had the same problem, it sure is sounding like a flaw n the heads (or some of them at least)

 

[dANbOT]

Wow, never seen that.

Did you have the head cut?

Gotta band saw to cut it in half?

100% stock other than main and pilot @ 3000 - 7500'. About 120 hours.
Good idea, I'll make a point of cutting it open to see what it looks like inside the coolant cavity.

 

[PEB]

My head had 1000's of hours on it in stock form and 200-300 after it was shaved. The motor has been run dry of coolant numerous times, if anyone or thing is to blame for the failure in mine it is me.

 

[Wimpy525]

Try Matto Cycle i thinkmhe is stocking th s3 heads.

 

[memphis2857]

I have a stock head of my 2011 I would consider selling if it will work. Also I ordered my S3 from motocross center and had it in Indiana in less than a week.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Dirt Dud]

Ryan Young is great to work with if you call him he will get it done quickly

 

[Jakobi]

In Australia, but also have an S3 housing (and a couple inserts), and an OEM head if you get stuck.

 

[dANbOT]

No answer at RYP today, and Matto is closed on mondays. I'll try again tomorrow, but thanks for the kind offer... I may need to take you up on it yet!

 

[desertgasser300]

No answer at RYP today, and Matto is closed on mondays. I'll try again tomorrow, but thanks for the kind offer... I may need to take you up on it yet!

You may want to Richard @ HoH, last time we spoke he had one in stock with a choice of inserts.

 

[95jersey]

Can someone point out where the crack is? I am not seeing it.

 

[poelinca]

Can someone point out where the crack is? I am not seeing it.

Here you go

 

[dANbOT]

RYP has S3 heads in stock and ready to ship, mine is on its way!
$250 USD + shipping

 

[Leo]

Is your engine mount bolts tight? Any crack in frame?

I'm saying that because there a mount in this head...

 

[dANbOT]

Is your engine mount bolts tight? Any crack in frame?

I'm saying that because there a mount in this head...

Everything looks good, and is tight. But my 2014 has no head-stay anyways

 

[hamilton]

I can't help to think your broken kick start shafts and the cracked head are related in some way? I would be checking everything with a fine tooth comb.