Old crack in engine block

Post Mon Jan 07, 2013 12:50 pm

My car has old crack in engine block and from previous owner it has welded and seal with something, but I think it is still failed and oil still come out from it is crack.

yesterday, I found product at ace store here call hi temperature repair putty for engine block.

does any kind like that is can cure crack for long time or useless?

and just buy another engine block?

Thank you
markus

Post Mon Jan 07, 2013 12:56 pm

My parents had a Vauxhall Nova with a cracked block (due to lack of antifreeze). They used some sort of metal bond filler/leak fix epoxy, and it held out and ran fine for ages afterwards.

I would suggest draining the block, letting it dry out and using a wire brush to thoroughly clean up the crack prior to applying it.

Post Mon Jan 07, 2013 1:57 pm

hello, speedtouch

can i just clean the outer area or must rebuilt the engine?

Post Mon Jan 07, 2013 2:07 pm

It depends on how deep the crack has gone. If oil is leaking out, you're going to have to very thoroughly clean it off before applying any sealant, or it will just leak again, and be careful which sealant product you use, as some are porous, so oil will seep through.

You're probably better off getting it welded.

Post Mon Jan 07, 2013 2:25 pm

TBO,this kind of repair is just putting off the inevitable engine out and a rebuild.

If I were the OP,I would be saving up my pocket money for a s/h block and an engine rebuild.

Post Mon Jan 07, 2013 3:43 pm

Cracks in blocks can be 'stitched'. In fact, this is often done with rare vintage/classic car blocks, where spares are not readily available:

However, you may be able to get away with using a product such as JB Weld.

Post Mon Jan 07, 2013 4:16 pm

Speedtouch wrote:Cracks in blocks can be 'stitched'. In fact, this is often done with rare vintage/classic car blocks, where spares are not readily available:

However, you may be able to get away with using a product such as JB Weld.

Sure,but we are discussing M20 engine blocks,that are just about ten a penny!

Post Mon Jan 07, 2013 4:50 pm

Maybe not in Indonesia, where the OP is from

Post Mon Jan 07, 2013 10:04 pm

drill both ends of the crack, groove and braze the crack, Job done.