3.0L block repair life span

[gr8shot]

Hey everyone, first post here. Been doing some reading, and got some great info from here. A couple weeks ago I bought a 91 VIP Vision. 17ft with the 3.0/alpha one. I got it for really cheap because it leaked water like crazy when running (suspected a cracked block). Anywho, I read up a ton on here, watched some videos and successfully fixed my cracked block by cleaning, grinding the crack open with a dremel, sanding, cleaning and filling with JB weld. Had it out on the water for the first time this weekend and it performed flawlessly. And didn't leak a drop of water for the 4-5 hours we were out.

My question is how long have some of you folks ran on a cracked/repaired block before seeing any issues? I saw mostly positive comments with folks saying they haven't had issues after the fix. Just was hoping to get a bit more input on what I should expect. Thanks!

 

[Scott Danforth]

welcome aboard

it could last 5 minutes, 5 hours, 5 days or 5 years.

just know its on borrowed time. usually the cracks continue to propagate

 

[gr8shot]

just know its on borrowed time. usually the cracks continue to propagate

I tried to drill out the ends of the crack, but they were so high up that I went in plenty deep and never punched through. So I think it was out of the coolant passages and into the deck of the block. I even drilled down at an angle hoping to get into the coolant passages but never hit them. Was probably 1/4" or more deep before I finally gave up. Fingers are crossed though!

 

[Scott Danforth]

good thing 3.0 motors are available everywhere cheap..... just still attached to junk boats

 

[Bondo]

I tried to drill out the ends of the crack, but they were so high up that I went in plenty deep and never punched through. So I think it was out of the coolant passages and into the deck of the block. I even drilled down at an angle hoping to get into the coolant passages but never hit them. Was probably 1/4" or more deep before I finally gave up. Fingers are crossed though!

Ayuh,..... So there's no water gettin' into the oil,..??..??

It'll last til it blows a head gasket,.....
After that, ya won't be able to torque the head down properly,.....

Start searchin' for a rotten boat, with a good runnin' 3.0l in it,.....

 

[H20Rat]

Without the ends being drilled out, it will continue to spread with every thermal cycle. Yeah start searching.

 

[Redtruck12]

Sounds like a band aid on a gunshot wound.
at least you got to check out the rest of the boat

 

[gr8shot]

Ayuh,..... So there's no water gettin' into the oil,..??..??

It'll last til it blows a head gasket,.....
After that, ya won't be able to torque the head down properly,.....

Start searchin' for a rotten boat, with a good runnin' 3.0l in it,.....

I mean like the area above the water jacket, not sure what you want to call that. Not the actual head/block mating surface. Or maybe I just didn't drill deep enough to hit the water jacket, not sure. But no, after a good 4 hours on the water this weekend, some idling around, some cruising about 2000rpm, and a couple 3500rpm runs, the oil still looks perfect.


But yeah, my plan from the start has been do the cheap fix on the block and run it til it dies. Once it dies, then I'll assess whether it's better to drop in another used long block, or just upgraded to a newer and/or bigger boat. I'm not skimping out on maintenance, I've done all the fluids, filters, greasing etc. I don't want to get stuck on the water due to something else that was easily and cheaply preventable. But figured I'll get all the good I can out of the motor. Was just interested to see how long others have ran with the jb weld fix on the crack.

 

[gm280]

There are so many ways to repair such a crack. However, if you really like the boat and engine setup, look for a replacement engine or even just a good block and during the down time/off season, do a swap. We all have no idea if or when our engines will give up. So happy boating until... JMHO