Cracked Engine block

[tblaies]

I recently discovered a crack in the engine block of my 1999 Mercruiser 5.0 L. I did some research on iBoats and found many good posts about using JB Weld to repair. I followed the suggestions and I will know tomorrow if it worked at all. My question is: If the JB Weld sealed most of the crack but not completely, would I be doing any harm to the engine if it slowly leaks? My thought is that a leak will cause the bilge to run when the motor is running and if its bad, cause overheating. Am I on target or should I expect the boat to sink? HELP!!

 

[DJP]

Re: Cracked Engine block

I'm wondering if you have found water in the oil as well. If not then running the vessel will of course mean that the leak will inevitably get worse. However if you have faith in your bilge pump, and don't mind prematurely rotting the inner plywood woodwork of your engine covers from excessive humidity. Then by all means run it into the ground / sand. Your're just gonna have to replace it anyway.

 

[tblaies]

Re: Cracked Engine block

Thanks for the reply.<br />I did not find any evidence of water in the oil. I hope that the epoxy holds and it doesn't leak at all. <br />Yeah, I realize I'm going to have to replace it sometime but I would like to get some use out of it.

 

[Derk138]

Re: Cracked Engine block

If the the crack is in the manafold you can have it brased and then JB weld will seal any pin holes. not sure about the block.

 

[Bottom Feeder]

Re: Cracked Engine block

One thing to look at... after the JB Weld has cured and you run it - check the oil again. Mine wasn't leaking into the oil until AFTER I closed off the easier escape route ! (And I thought it was going to be an "easy" fix...) Good luck.