Is there a way to fix cracked block???

farmboy

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 11, 2006
Messages
33
Re: Is there a way to fix cracked block???

Cracks in engine blocks, pumps, turbines, ect. have been repaired successfully for decades. The main question is: what do you want this engine to do and could your life depend on it's operation. Should you change the block or fix it? The pics show a crack in the water jacket. That is not a big deal most likely. The "drill a hole at each end and fill with epoxy" has been the accepted fix. If you want to ensure the epoxy fix stays put, go the extra mile. Prepare the cast iron surface accordingly. The epoxy fix needs a "cleaned to raw metal" surface and roughened profile to grip onto. To achieve a surface profile one needs to clean the area perfectly with a non-oily solvent (acetone...highly flammable...use proper ppe) then roughen up the surrounding surface (spot abrasive blasting is superior but a coarse wheel is better than nothing. Then apply a modern epoxy compound according to manufacturer's direction. I like Belzona 1321. JB weld works but I would not trust it as a permanent fix...
 

alegkiy

Cadet
Joined
Aug 5, 2007
Messages
8
Re: Is there a way to fix cracked block???

Are you guys talking about just regular JB weld that is sold in local WalMarts and such??
 

bjcsc

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 1, 2006
Messages
1,805
Re: Is there a way to fix cracked block???

Are you guys talking about just regular JB weld that is sold in local WalMarts and such??

Yep. Do a search here and you'll find pictures of how other people prepped/cleaned the crack before epoxying...
 

capthook

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 10, 2005
Messages
154
Re: Is there a way to fix cracked block???

Just posted this in another post.

ABSOULOUTLEY! The only thing is that you need to look at this as a temporary fix. Although it may hold for years always check it to make sure that the JB weld is holding fine. This is how I repaired the crack in mine 3.0.

1. Sand down the surface that is in need of repair.
2. Grind a V into the crack in question.
3. Get a drill bit not to big and put some grease on the end so you will not get any metal shavings into the block and drill at both ends of the crack slowly and go through all the way into the block (SLOWLY).
4. Mix your JB and let it get a little tacky before applying.
5. Smear into the crack making sure you apply pressure into the drill holes to make sure they are filled. I let this dry then sand and repeat.
6. Let it cure and then check for leaks.

I have also found that if you remove the water hose and suck through the hose creating a vacuum you can sometimes get the JB in to crack a little more.
 

alegkiy

Cadet
Joined
Aug 5, 2007
Messages
8
Re: Is there a way to fix cracked block???

Thank you all for your input. I'm going to try it this weekend! I sure hope it works, I miss the water.

Alex
 
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