Help with block repair

Dr. Bert · Nov 27, 2008

I am restoring a Regular for a friend and yesterday was cleaning up the engine to paint it and discovered a large depression fracture in the side of the block. The owner had just had the engine completely rebuilt and has invested over $2500.00 in the job, and obviously the mechanic didn't inspect the block very well before proceeding. What would be the best way to repair the block so we can salvage the owner's investment? The depression has a circumference of 4 to 5 inches with only about 1 1/2 inches of intact metal holding the the damaged area in place. Only the water jacket is affected. Thoughts on silver solder, JB Weld, brazing etc. Thanks.

Dr. Bert · Nov 27, 2008

Should have typed in 4 to 5 inch diameter fracture instead of 4 to 5 inch circumference.

Mike Farmer · Nov 28, 2008

I should be very interested in thoughts about silver solder as its something I have considered in the past. In answer to your existing problem there are several ways all of which you mentioned. Ultimately if the cosmetic appearance is not terribly important, bolt a patch of 3mm mild steel over it. I would suggest large enough to overlap it by about 1" all around. You will need to drill and tap the casting at about 1" intervals around the circumference of the repair and use a good quality sealant. Take Care. MTF

Jeff Smit · Nov 28, 2008

I have fixed many F-12 water jacket cracks with stainles wire and JB weld. V out the cracks, drill a small hole at the end of each crack. Warm the area with a torch, weld with a mig or tig welder about one inch at a time stopping to peen or stress relieve and reheat. Its not a real fast process. when your done grind smooth. Mix up Jb weld and apply it with a bondo spreader. Before it dries take a shop cloth and blot the area. It will leave a cast appearence. Paint over it and it will be hard to tell any thing was wrong. Any seeps will usually rust up or stop leak will cure any pin holes. Good luck.
Jeff

Dblair · Nov 28, 2008

same procedure just stitch in a piece of Stainless steel cut to fit.

James Williams · Nov 28, 2008

Bert,Thoes motors weld very easy with just 70-18 rod,Ive had several of them welded,We have a local welder thats from the old school and has a lot of experience

jimmy

Andy Motteberg · Nov 28, 2008

I've heard JB Weld works well, so that's what I did on my F-20's block. Just make sure the surface is VERY VERY clean, no rust, dirt, grease, oil, paint. It needs to be clean and the weld must be applied on a smooth surface.

Dr. Bert · Nov 28, 2008

To all that have responded. Thank you for the ideas.

george md · Nov 29, 2008

Bert,

If you want your repair to not show , I
would use the lock & stitch repair plugs ,
not the old irontite tapered plugs. Iron
tite plugs do have many uses , but for your
repair I would use the new lock + stitch
plugs. When done right and ground down when
done ,it is nearly impossible to tell where
the repair is.
Send me an email if you have questions.

george

Help with block repair

Dr. Bert

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Dr. Bert

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Mike Farmer

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Jeff Smit

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Dblair

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James Williams

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Andy Motteberg

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Dr. Bert

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george md

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