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Cracked block
https://slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17944
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Author:  64VRagtop [ Wed Jun 07, 2006 12:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Cracked block

First things first, I'm an idiot, that much is clear.

After rebuilding my /6 last summer I had a few water pump issues and through the process of trouble shooting it must have diluted my antifreeze to the point of being ineffective.

After sitting outside all winter (with temp dips to -20c) I now have what appears to be a cracked block. When I started it up water was weeping along a crack that runs about 8 inches long along a casting seam about 4 inches beneath the exhaust manifold. I'll post a pic later.

Here's my question. Can it be welded?

Another question, should it be welded? If it's cracked there I may have cracks elsewhere. would I just be wasting my time?

Cheers.

Author:  slantzilla [ Wed Jun 07, 2006 12:14 pm ]
Post subject: 

Drill a small hole at each end of the crack and cover the whole crack with JB Weld. :shock:

Author:  64VRagtop [ Wed Jun 07, 2006 12:16 pm ]
Post subject: 

OMFG! Really?? That'll do it?? You can't imagine the smile on my face right now. Thanks for the info.

Author:  Rust collector [ Wed Jun 07, 2006 12:28 pm ]
Post subject: 

It might hold...

Author:  SlantSixDan [ Wed Jun 07, 2006 12:38 pm ]
Post subject: 

Quote:
OMFG! Really?? That'll do it?? You can't imagine the smile on my face right now. Thanks for the info.
Ummm...no. It won't reliably hold. He's more or less joking. Putting your money into a cracked block is a big gamble. Find another block.

Author:  64VRagtop [ Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:20 pm ]
Post subject: 

Well what the hell... if it doesn't hold, it doesn't hold. I just rebuilt the damned thing:cry: . I've got to give it a go doncha think?

Here are some pics of the damage.

Image
Image

Author:  SlantSixDan [ Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:58 pm ]
Post subject: 

Ouch. Yep, ya done cracked the block. Looks like oil coming out, not "just" coolant. Have you drained the oil to see what it looks like?

Author:  slantzilla [ Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:59 pm ]
Post subject: 

Quote:
Quote:
OMFG! Really?? That'll do it?? You can't imagine the smile on my face right now. Thanks for the info.
Ummm...no. It won't reliably hold. He's more or less joking. Putting your money into a cracked block is a big gamble. Find another block.
No, I am not joking. Clean the block off well and it will probably hold. Add a bottle of Bar's Leak for a little extra insurance. :shock:

I ran a 383 block that was cracked for almost 2 years on Bar's Leak alone. :lol:

If it doesn't work, at least you're not out much. :D

Author:  64VRagtop [ Wed Jun 07, 2006 3:01 pm ]
Post subject: 

Not yet, what shoud I be looking for... oil I suppose.

Author:  CStryker [ Wed Jun 07, 2006 3:15 pm ]
Post subject: 

Quote:
Not yet, what shoud I be looking for... oil I suppose.
You /do/ want to find oil; you /don't/ want to find water.

Author:  tophat [ Wed Jun 07, 2006 3:18 pm ]
Post subject: 

I have used this
http://www.barsproducts.com/product.cfm?id=41
in my wifes 4cyl eek, about 35-40k so far and still holding

warning-you must follow the instructions EXACTLY or it will cause you more
problems.

I know it is not a "correct fix", but it worked for me :)

hope it helps, it really sucks being a fresh rebuild and all

I once saw the water jackets of a 318 block "saved" with a mig welder,
looked grungy as it gets, but the kid was still driving the car 3 yrs later.

Author:  64VRagtop [ Wed Jun 07, 2006 3:32 pm ]
Post subject: 

Welding it was what I was thinking too... it's just that I'm not sure there isn't more damage yet to contend with. I'm going to drain the oil and if there's no water in it I'll try the JB Weld... if that holds and all is well then I'll see about running a bead along the crack.

Author:  emsvitil [ Wed Jun 07, 2006 4:09 pm ]
Post subject: 

I think brazing would be better than welding in this case.

Author:  imnoisydart [ Wed Jun 07, 2006 4:13 pm ]
Post subject: 

Another thing you might try is one of the "Fix A Cracked Block In A Can"
Chemicals, available at Carquest or NAPA either before or after the JB Weld. It may be similar to the Bars link above. You definitely have to follow the instructions to a T- but I had a Toyota Pickup with a cracked
block. I was very skeptical, but it totally worked and I put many many miles on after that.

Author:  mopar_nocar [ Wed Jun 07, 2006 4:16 pm ]
Post subject:  brass or nickel

drill holes, use an angle grinder to cut a 'V' that follows the crack. once that's done, us acetylene/O2 torch to braze along with brass brazing rod....i have heard of people using nickel rod, but i don't have personal experience with it. i have used and seen brass used to do this sort of repair....now, if you have water in the oil, it might not be worth going thru all the work....i would also want to take the carb/intake/exhaust off, just for access reasons, not to mention having a torch that close to the gas!!

sb

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