Do I need a new block or small side case half?

[healey8390]

86' 110, getting a lean sneeze and puff of smoke near a bypass cover. I'm pretty sure it's the crankcase as it's the same exact area that leaked the first time. Reference this thread if needed https://forums.iboats.com/threads/leaking-case-halves-crankcase.741260/#post-5629912

When I did the job again I noticed a glob of sealant that wedged the block. So I was hoping that this time it was fine. I cleaned the ever loving you know what out of it. Used primer, torque wrench/sequence. We'll I'm in the same boat again.

I'm wondering why it's leaking and in the same area. The original teardown before it leaked the first time was because the engine overheated. But it was on the other bank, port, and it's the starboard side that I'm having the problem with.

My question is, aside from getting another powerhead and/or just parting out this engine, is that can I get an upper case half or whatever it's called? The smaller side? Probably a hard question to answer but I'm assuming if there is warpage it will be on the skinny side not the block side??

Can I sand down the case halves? If I use 1000 grit on glass with a figure 8? Or is it time to give up on this motor?

 

[oldboat1]

think I would try to refinish and seal both the bypass covers and the cylinder heads. Don't know what the timeline is for the overheating episode(s), but would just assume there is warpage. Torque to specs and again after running.

 

[racerone]

Poor man fix is to use glass plate and mechanics blue to determine if it is in fact warped.----If it is then a wee hammer might correct this flaw !!---These items are a matched set.----Machined as an assembly.-----There are lots of used blocks around.--E-bay is one place.------Your location ?

 

[flyingscott]

What did you use to seal it? You need to seal it with something like loc-tite 518.

 

[healey8390]

Poor man fix is to use glass plate and mechanics blue to determine if it is in fact warped.----If it is then a wee hammer might correct this flaw !!---These items are a matched set.----Machined as an assembly.-----There are lots of used blocks around.--E-bay is one place.------Your location ?

Thanks, I forgot they were a matched set. Mechanic's what?
I'm in Houston, Tx.

 

[racerone]

I am not there to inspect.----Are you sure this swap was not made on this motor before you got your hands on it ?----I have not seen this persistent leakage on one of these before.

 

[healey8390]

What did you use to seal it? You need to seal it with something like loc-tite 518.

Permatex anaerobic 51813 both times.

 

[racerone]

It is called ---Mechanic's Blue.-----Or ----Prussian blue.-----Hurry to your automotive supply store. ---Lucky if you can find an old guy who has used it knows what you are asking about.----Google it.-----Or walk over , I have a tube and can demonstrate the use of this stuff.

 

[healey8390]

I am not there to inspect.----Are you sure this swap was not made on this motor before you got your hands on it ?----I have not seen this persistent leakage on one of these before.

I highly doubt it but I'm not 100% sure. The motor was in very good condition with no aftermarket parts. It ran great until it overheated on me. I seen no evidence of it being torn into before.

 

[healey8390]

I need to make a decision on this and am willing to get another block. Not that I'm a master tech but my pride is hurt here. I was an auto mechanic and am pretty good with my hands or at least I thought I was lol. I rebuilt a chrysler 4cyl and didn't have these problems. Maybe one last shot to see if I can defeat this nightmare.

 

[racerone]

Yes , these motors are simple and run just super in good condition.------No need for $100 / hr dealer support and electronic parts to keep it running.------Do yourself a favor and study the parts diagrams for newer motors.---All brands.----Shocking to see sensors / ECU 's / fuel injectors, ETC, ETC and other items as listed ----NLA---

 

[racerone]

Googling ----Prussian blue------Will get you bewildering information.-----Until you come to---- Permatex Prussian blue-----There it describes using it in working with precision parts and inspection of same.

 

[healey8390]

Will definitely try it to see how bad it's warped. I'm also thinking of buying an older crank case halve that has the groove with the "spaghetti seal". I am concerned that they're matched halves but my thoughts are one, the spaghetti seal is extra reassurance and two, I won't have to use gel seal. Those used a more traditional type sealant. I'm hoping that style will fit my engine if I do go this route. I see one off of a 78 15 which is also a bubble back so hopefully it matches. Any thoughts on this?

 

[racerone]

It is very clear to me that folks do not know.-----Step # 1 for you is to compare the size of the CENTER main bearing to the main bearing on your motor.-------You will find that the 78 is much smaller and in 79 the V-4 motors went to the same MONSTER center bearing as used on the V-6 motors.----All simple to me and I hardly have to look some of this up.-----Note 7 minutes ( typing time ) or less for this reply !!

 

[healey8390]

It is very clear to me that folks do not know.-----Step # 1 for you is to compare the size of the CENTER main bearing to the main bearing on your motor.-------You will find that the 78 is much smaller and in 79 the V-4 motors went to the same MONSTER center bearing as used on the V-6 motors.----All simple to me and I hardly have to look some of this up.-----Note 7 minutes ( typing time ) or less for this reply !!

Thank you for that, I would have wasted money on that. Back to the drawing board...