Is this crack fatal?

[ZmOz]

Some of you might remember there was a little oil incident last season with my '74 1500. After removing the things on the side of the engine so I could look at the cylinders, I am SHOCKED to see that only one of the cylinders looks bad. The other 5 actually still have honing marks in them. There is something that looks worse, however. There is a crack down the side of one of the cylinders.<br />

<br />First of all, is that crack fatal? Can it be fixed, does it even need to be fixed? It looks like it's just the aluminum, not the steel sleeve. Second, do you think that would have been caused from the lack of oil, or might it have already been there?

 

[alcan]

Re: Is this crack fatal?

From what I can see of the picture, I feel the crack can be welded. I wouldn't concider putting this motor back together with out repairing the crack. Ask around find out who does this type work in your area. You may have to get several opinions, until you find the right guy.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Is this crack fatal?

ZMoz, My 1977 150 HP merc cracked exactly the same way, on number 3 cylinder(after overheating), if memory serves me. I had it welded and the next time it overheated, it recracked in the same spot. I continued to run it without repair after that.<br /><br />This may not help you all that much, but it is another datapoint!

 

[sinkingfast]

Re: Is this crack fatal?

take it to a good engineering shop. get them to weld it and then heat treat it.<br /><br />Tig weld under high temperature will stop it re cracking