The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts cracked block, fix or repower

i purchased my big bolt last month , after i got it tuned a drove about 15 miles . i discovered a light horizonal crack in the block left side down buy the water drain . any way to repaire this problem ? the engine is a 1948 chevy 217 cubic inch. if not repaireable , i have a 1976 chev 350 to replace it . if replacing , anyone have a good idea how to do this engine swap? thank you 1pete1

I had a 235 with crack in same place, didn't leak much at all and just kept on driving. Some block sealer might help.

Otherwise a later model 235 or 261 are well worth considering for a swap, very simple.

V-grind the crack with an angle grinder, and smooth up the casting for at least an inch in all directions from the crack. Then apply a layer of Marine Tex sealer over the cleaned-up surface. As it cures, press a piece of 40 grit sandpaper over the repair to match the surface texture of the cast iron. The repair will be almost invisible after it's painted.

http://www.marinetex.com/marinetexepoxyputty.html

Jerry

Over the past few years, we have seen several posts about a crack in that location. Years ago, we never saw this mentioned/observed.

I wonder if cracked set-aside engines are moving back into circulation, due to market conditions from more people looking for blocks/engines?

I am glad the topic is being discussed and people are saying "give the block that is cracked in that location a 'try'". I was almost ready to get rid of a 1954 235 "matching"-number Hydra-Matic engine with a crack in that location; until I read a reply like Grigg's, from Jerry.

As Jerry, Grigg, Dave, and others have posted: that location is not critical for oil-passage and/or for compression. That being the case, sometimes that crack does not even leak, and/or some block sealer has a high probability of keeping the block useable.

Has anyone posted advice/directions on what block sealer to use, and how to use it?

"Has anyone posted advice/directions on what block sealer to use, and how to use it?"

Yes, Jerry did, while I was typing.

Thanks, Jerry

Tim,
I've been thru this process when I rebuilt my 216. And yes there are many a different avenue one could take! I went the way of Loc-n-stitch. I'm 100% pleased with the outcome!! It was easy and there inside folks made sure you received the correct materials for the repair. It's been almost 2 years and not a hint of failure. There is a picture of the completed repair in my photobucket. Have a look see.
I'm not a automotive/truck mechanic in the least. Just very good with tools and a good text to go by. That is right here, Stovebolt!! That is my 2 cents worth.
Take care, jim

Jim,

Thanks.

For others who are interested, here is the image/photo of Jim's repair - between the red "brackets", I assume.

Stitching the block is a permanent repair, better than any epoxy. You can read about it here:
http://www.locknstitch.com/engines-casting-repair-industry.html
I have no affiliation, but I can say that a V-grind will not allow a proper repair later. Anyone who can operate a drill and a tap and die can make a permanent repair in a few hours time. Basically the kit drills, taps, and plugs with cast iron along the crack, then you do a second round of the same that overlaps the first. This locks the "wedge screws" from the kit in place and seals the crack permanently using cast iron, not glue. General cost - $200-300 but that gives you the tools and enough materials to make a lot of repairs.

Tim,
You are correct. Thanks for adding the link

Stitching is a good repair for areas under compression/combustion pressure like a combustion chamber. I've done numerous fixes of cracks between valve seats, etc. that way. On these oldtimers with low-pressure cooling systems, a well-bonded epoxy patch is usually sufficient to handle a crack to the outside of the block with nothing but coolant to contain.
Jerry

I also had my block stitched approx 5 years ago, no leaks

thank you all for the cracked block repair solutions . has anyone tried " Muggyweld " i was going to try this for some broken pot metal on my headlights . is this a concideration for cracks in engine blocks ? thanks again 1pete1