The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 45 Chev, 53 Chev cracked block

HI I was asked to post pictures and more information so I started a new thread.

I have a 45 Chev panel that I bought in 1968. I put a 53 chev engine in it about 1968, and rebuilt the engine. I used it throughout the 70's going to University and then again for several years after I was married in 77. The back story is, the truck ran perfectly until I moved and had to store it at a paid for storage lot. The lot changed hands and a fool put water in the engine in winter and tried to hot wire it to move it off the property. They drained the rad but not the block, and the block split on the drivers side just back of the front edge. So I will post more in the question area. I pulled the engine today and will repair the block with an epoxy method CAT uses on their blocks. It is a long way from when it used to run like a clock, but I hope to get it running again and use it.

Here are the pictures I just took showing the pulling of the engine, the bell housing bolt holes at the top of the engine and the long crack in the block.

Before I cleaned the engine or pulled it I thought the crack was about 4"long, now it looks like it could be almost 3/4 of the length of the block. Why the frost plugs didn't pop is a mystery, I thought that was their purpose. CAT uses an epoxy and drill and tap technique to fix cracked blocks. But I have to recheck and see if this can be used on a crack this long.

Iwill build a support for the front engine mount and attach it to the engine stand. I welded the engine balance and hoist plate so it is not that difficult. I want to start the engine on the stand.

I had hoped to fix the block and start the engine, now I am not sure of the amount of damage done.The engine had less that 5k miles on the rebuild before it was cracked. It has been in my garage for about 30 years. I bought it when I was 20, 55 years ago. I still love this truck. Everything is made to be worked on. a 1/2, 9/16 " wenchs remove about 90 % of everything, the rest are 7/16, 5/8". The whole system unblocks and there is lots of room to work on any part of the truck. The rear single acting shocks that look like a master brake cylinder were still working in 1995 and never had been filled or repaired. They have a plug like a master cylinder to add fluid. A pleasure compared to my F350 that I hate working on.

So any advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance.