1 inch crack in block in rear main seal area...fixable?

[The Darkside]

I think repairing this is just wishful thinking, but here goes....I recently twisted my crank in half & took out 2 pistons. Well, after taking it the machine shop, they found it had a 1 inch crack in the block in the rear main seal area. It's not in the curved area, but on the flat part bottom of block all theway across the ear area. I can feel it with my finger, so it's not perfectly flat. They say it could be repaired if done right....I don't know??? I am adding an RJC girdle so don't know if that in any way would make this block usable for more than a seat in the garage or an anchor.

If I do need to replace it, I'm in the Dallas,TX area so if anyone has a good "standard" bore block they'd like to sell, please let me know...Thanks.

 

[Live_to_die]

If you are spending the cash to girdle that block, then do it right and get yourself a new block... I've had to pull fresh motors back out of cars before and it isn't to much fun..

 

[Lee Thompson]

boat anchor

Toss that block---tried to fix one like that and it either will leak or contuine to crack.

 

[The Darkside]

Here's the biggest worry.........they were told of the twisted crank, broken pistons, so I told them to check over the block make sure it was ok...well, they call a day or so after I gave it to them & they said the block was good, the cylinders just needed a hone. Here's the screwed up part...They already set up the RJC girdle, got it line bored, honed the cylinders, installed the freeze plugs, etc...& then they call me & say they've found a crack!!! Now it's probably going to be a real hassle & I'd like to pick it & get the work done elsewhere, but what would be my legal rights??? I don't feel like I should pay for anything they've done with the exception of polishing the crank & checking the rods...(obviously they didn't check the block before working on it)...Need advice on how to handle this....

 

[John Larkin]

Ask them how much to repair the crack and if they will warranty that specific repair as long as the block is in use by you. That would be a decent compromise since they missed the crack. Worth trying anyhow; I think you already know you're up the creek without a paddle. A free visual inspection is not likely pursuable for legal action; maybe but not likely.

 

[TURBOTERRORV6]

Ask them how much to repair the crack and if they will warranty that specific repair as long as the block is in use by you. That would be a decent compromise since they missed the crack. Worth trying anyhow; I think you already know you're up the creek without a paddle. A free visual inspection is not likely pursuable for legal action; maybe but not likely.

my advise,ditch the block away,the repair is only a bandaid where the crack is,and that part of the block where the main seal goes is going to be weak(as it already is),and is a matter of time where it will crack again,and even worse. Pressure,under boost,put the block in all pressure on its meat. Ditch the block,and get u a used one,and start the rebulit fresh,why repair a damage block and spend the money where your going to start again worse? peace

 

[87GNSteve]

These blocks are all around for $300; I could see doing a repair if it was a 1930's Buick straight 8.
But a repair in that area is asking for trouble, if it was a cylinder sleeve or external water jacket crack repair, sure....go for it.
The machine shop might be trying to cut their losses with the labor they put into it, so you can always pull the plug on them, and get your stuff, and say you will come back when you find a block.

 

[PHANTASM]

get a block from chris mcdade.
he is in texas.

good guy

 

[steveX]

Sorry to hear this. Fixing block is a waste time/money now and down the road. I have a block with 120,000 miles. needs honing/deck Milling,U should Line bore the main jornal with 2 Billit main cap(center minimum),with girdle,I went with 4 billit/girdle. I am asking $300+shipping for the block.

 

[Blown&Injected]

These blocks are all around for $300; I could see doing a repair if it was a 1930's Buick straight 8.
But a repair in that area is asking for trouble, if it was a cylinder sleeve or external water jacket crack repair, sure....go for it.
The machine shop might be trying to cut their losses with the labor they put into it, so you can always pull the plug on them, and get your stuff, and say you will come back when you find a block.

this sounds like a very good idea!

to be fair, ask them how much for the crank and rod work then clear the area with your parts.

 

[Race Jace]

i can help you with any parts you need to install the girdle on a new block but as everyone is saying on this post, you must get a new block.