block leaking

[jeff13601]

I had my boat stolen and got it back 2 years later. After lots of work I discovered a ten inch crack in the block. Bondo told me what to do and I ground a v into the crack with a small grinder. I filled it with JB weld and let it dry for 24 hours. I run the boat today for about six hours, and so far all is good. I had a welder tell me it was as good as welding it. Im just hoping for the best.

 

[amidaeus]

block leaking

I read daycruisers thread and did not want to hijack it so I am posting a new one. I kinda inherited a 1980 Chris-craft 21'cuddy from my inlaws with a 260hp (chevy 350) mercruiser. I ran the boat for 2 seasons without any problems. My inlaws live in Missouri and winterized the boat each winter. I decided to change the carpet out after the second season... and to make a long story short (two years later), I finished everything that needed to be done on the boat. I had the engine winterized before the two year lay up. I recently performed a tune up on the engine and it is purring like a kitten. Upon inspection for hose leaks and all I discovered two cracks (one on each side of the motor) seeping water. They are about an inch down from the seam where the heads meet the block and are about 3 inches long. Could these have been there since I got the boat from Missouri? I live in Dallas, Texas and the winters are very mild. I don't think that it stayed below freezing for even 24 hours over the 2 year period and like I said it was winterized. There is no water in the oil. My questions are... How much pressure builds up in the block? Could I weld this crack and hope for the best? I read here that you should drill a hole at each end of the crack to stop it before welding, how big of a hole? Has anyone actually had any luck with welding a block? I have been through a lot with this boat and just want to get out and enjoy the fruits of my labor. I appreciate any input..and as always, thanks in advance.

 

[SeattleMatt]

Re: block leaking

I bought a boat with this problem. I thought I could weld it, did so, it came out great, but then there was still water flowing from somewhere.<br /><br />To make a long story short. There were cracks allover the engine, when I pulled it and replaced it I found cracks throughout the heads and block.<br /><br />Odds are your days are numbered, unless u want to keep relacing the oil every run and run the risk of being stuck out in the water I would replace the engine. We wasted a lot of time welding our block.<br /><br />We got our "remanufactured" engine delivered for just over $1300 if that makes u feel any better. :|

 

[Bondo]

Re: block leaking

amidaeus,....<br />When your block Cracked is a moot point,.... It's Cracked.......<br />It Shouldn't Have, being winterized,.. But It Did........<br /><br />I'd say you're in the Same Boat as Jeff,+ Daycruiser...........<br />If you're looking to keep the hull for the Long Run,....... Patch it up,+ Run It.......<br />But,... Start hunting down the Pieces for the Rebuild you'll be doing Next Winter.........<br />You're in Much Better Shape than Jeff,+ D/C because 350 Chevies are a Dime a Dozen........ 3.0l's Aren't......... <br /><br />I've welded quite a few blocks,+ other Weird Metals.........Even a Good Weld will weep,+ leak,.... So you Slather Epoxy over it to finish sealing the repair, Anyway...........<br />I recommend that you just Skip the Welding,+ Epoxy It in the 1st Place...........<br /><br />You'll need to Prep the repair, just as if you were going to weld it,..... Drill a small(1/8" is fine) hole in each End of the crack,...... Grind a Small "V" in the crack,+ "Shine" the area surounding the crack,.. At least an inch back,....<br />Now,........ Slather in your choice of Epoxy putty,+ Knead it into the crack,... Smooth it off,+ Let it set-up..............<br /><br />Keep your Fingers Crossed,+ the Bilge Pump working,......<br />And, Watch the Oil for signs of Water..........<br /><br /><br />Have Fun Guys........

 

[amidaeus]

Re: block leaking

A buddy has a MIG welder and knows how to use it. I think I will drill, cut the vee,clean it up then puddle the vee with the mig and clean again with a wire brush and slather some JB weld on it. I will let y'all know how it comes out. <br /><br />Thanks Bondo... I'll make sure the bilge is working good and life jackets are readily available. This is a lot better problem than the leaking gas tank I had. I replaced it with a poly tank... I'm thinking of naming the boat "Inferno"... You folks here have provided a lot of sound advice that I would not have thought of. I think I will replace the block this winter.<br />Thanks again!<br /><br />I'll post pics of the progress from the begining soon...

 

[jeff13601]

Re: block leaking

You might be better off with just the jb weld. You could do it in a couple hours and let it cure that day and night It probably will hold better. But either way good luck

 

[Bondo]

Re: block leaking

A Mig welder is Not the equipment to use......<br /><br />If you insist on welding it,......<br />It'll need to be Stick Welded,... With a "Nickle" rod..........I use 99% nickle,.... the rods run me about $35.00 a Pound........<br /><br />You'll do Better with Just the Epoxy.........

 

[amidaeus]

Re: block leaking

Ok... I'll go the epoxy way. Thanks again.

 

[jeff13601]

Re: block leaking

let us know how it works out.

 

[AaronG]

Re: block leaking

You need one hell of a mig welder to get any type of penetration with cast iron. Bondo's right, just use JB weld. And look for a replacement. <br /><br />I found a good rebuilt low hour 350 with a bad head for $50. They aren't hard to find.

 

[amidaeus]

Re: block leaking

I prepped the crack last night and put the JBweld on it. Ran on the muffs for 30 minutes... no leak. Will put it on the lake tomorrow for it's maiden voyage (taking the neighbor with me so I can have a swimmin buddy lol). Hopefully all will be good and we can enjoy this season. Then I will have another winter project... changing the block!

 

[Bondo]

Re: block leaking

Good Luck...............

 

[amidaeus]

Re: block leaking

Took the boat out for it's maiden voyage. No water from the block!! Hope she holds for awhile. I will certainly keep an Eye on it.

 

[tommays]

Re: block leaking

ya gota love that JB WELD seams like it saved 10 motors just here this week<br /><br />tommays

 

[rebars1]

Re: block leaking

amidaeus, I know this is an old post, but what did you end up doing with your gas tank project?

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: block leaking

Here is what he did rebars1<br /><br /> Read This

 

[rebars1]

Re: block leaking

Thanks Reel Poor. I have a 1984 Chris Craft Scorpion 230 and I am starting to smell some gas vapors in the cuddy. I might have to do the same process.