I'd like some opinions on this crack in my cylinder head. It runs from a bolt hole to a coolant channel then to another coolant channel. In a perfect world I'd take it to the shop and let them deal with it
But I'm kind of pressed for time and near the end of my budget. I'm thinking about some JB weld.

Any advice would be appreciated

 

Welcome to the forum

Should include year and engine model
2000 4.0l OHV

I wouldn't do anything to the head, use it as is if that's the only crack
But that valve looks "crusty", could just be the angle

The 4.0l OHV heads would crack between valve seats, that's when they need to be replaced, looks like this: https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.ran...f903bc6cb4.jpg
Or this: https://www.therangerstation.com/for...fc-jpeg.81872/
No fix for that, need to replace the head if you see that, so have a CLOSE look

 

Thank you Ron. There's one of those cracks in each one 😭. I never would have noticed if not for your comment.
I've done a little shopping and the question of the casting number is coming up. The only number I can find is C8S1A. That doesn't seem to match any I'm seeing online. It's under the valve cover next to the little Ford oval. Am I missing something?

 

You need to use a 1998-2000 4.0l OHV head, for sure, casting number 98TM-AD

If it says for 1998-2000 Ranger/Mazda 4.0l then its the right one

The 3 different heads used on the 1990-2000 4.0l OHVs are described here: https://www.enginebuildermag.com/200...0l-pushrod-v6/
Scroll down

If one head has the cracks between valves seats then BOTH will
Its caused by overheating so..................both heads would have over heated not just the one