Clyinder Head - Blocked off water ways

[Frank G]

Hi there,
I've had to remove my cylinder heads; and have had them skimmed.
I noticed that there were waterways in the block that matched some in the head. However, the ones in the head had been blocked off with weld.
I have attached a photo of the heads.
Is this normal?
If not, why does that team think it has been done.
Thanks for your help.
IIMG_20150820_185446386[1].jpg

Regards,
Frank

[Lingen]

Frank. They haven't been blocked off, they were never there! However, for reasons unknown, there are cut outs in the head gaskets at those points, allowing coolant to be present in those areas, and it does look as though your engine has suffered from severe corrosion there. This can only be due to it not having had sufficient corrosion inhibitor in the cooling system-i.e. regular changes of a good antifreeze mixture. I don't think they will cause any problems, but do maintain the correct (1/3rd) concentration of antifreeze from now on.
Mike.

[Frank G]

Frank. They haven't been blocked off, they were never there! However, for reasons unknown, there are cut outs in the head gaskets at those points, allowing coolant to be present in those areas, and it does look as though your engine has suffered from severe corrosion there. This can only be due to it not having had sufficient corrosion inhibitor in the cooling system-i.e. regular changes of a good antifreeze mixture. I don't think they will cause any problems, but do maintain the correct (1/3rd) concentration of antifreeze from now on.
Mike.

Hi Mike,
Thanks for your reply.
I'm relieved, from your answer, that the head hasn't been blocked off.
Regarding, the corrosion issue. This must have happened before I owned the car, as I use a waterless coolant.
One thing I forgot to mention, is that there was a 'saver' shim between the block and the head, which also did not have the holes in it.
Therefore, all the corrosion must have happened prior to that being fitted. It is concerning that someone allowed the head to corrode to that degree.
Once again thanks for your reply and the info.
Regards,
Frank

[tractorjames]

I wouldn't worry, mine were worse than yours and I had to get them build up with weld. This in not uncommon.

James