Cracked Block? It Has Good Compression

Rubixone

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 21, 2010
Messages
106
Can anyone verify for me that this is a cracked block??? It has good compression, and will run but the water jacket gasket was bad :( the third picture is a shot looking up from as if the motor was mounted on a boat looking up from the ground.
Cracked Block 12inches back.jpgCracked Block Close Up marked.jpgtop cylinder.jpg
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
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Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: Cracked Block? It Has Good Compression

Certainly doesn't look good, does it? To me it looks like a casting defect, but nevertheless, a crack is a crack, no matter what caused it. Big question is does it go clear through? I think I'd get the piston up on TCD and get some air pressure in the plug hole with some soapy water on the "crack" to see if I get any bubbles.
 

Rubixone

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 21, 2010
Messages
106
Re: Cracked Block? It Has Good Compression

Thanks fr I knew the soap and water trick just forgot, so thank you we all need a reminder.... well outcome is no bubbles. I cant see in the cylinder very well on in side but i don't see any scaring.... the water pump went out on this motor, melted impeller and water pump housing and water jacket gasket.... ouch... so i hope it doesn't expand the crack when it heats up cause it still runs pretty good.... any suggestions on healing that crack or should i just replace the water jacket gasket and run it till it dies????
 

archcycle

Chief Petty Officer
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Sep 21, 2009
Messages
647
Re: Cracked Block? It Has Good Compression

Clean the surface and put some JB Weld on it
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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Jul 23, 2011
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50,234
Re: Cracked Block? It Has Good Compression

could just be casting flaws.
 

Rubixone

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Apr 21, 2010
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Re: Cracked Block? It Has Good Compression

I was kinda wondering about the JB weld but wondered what could happen if it flaked off.
 

boobie

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Nov 5, 2009
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20,826
Re: Cracked Block? It Has Good Compression

Seeing it's next to the combustion chamber area, the JB weld may melt off. JMO
 

Haffiman

Commander
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Dec 17, 2009
Messages
2,454
Re: Cracked Block? It Has Good Compression

The crack will have to be 'Dremmeled' and properly welded. If exhaust residue in the crack, you will need clean material to get anything 'stick'.
 

jimmbo

Supreme Mariner
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May 24, 2004
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13,638
Re: Cracked Block? It Has Good Compression

For what's it's worth, This the Johnrude Forum, that is a Mercury engine
 

archcycle

Chief Petty Officer
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Sep 21, 2009
Messages
647
Re: Cracked Block? It Has Good Compression

I was kinda wondering about the JB weld but wondered what could happen if it flaked off.

Seeing it's next to the combustion chamber area, the JB weld may melt off. JMO

JB Weld is great for things like that. I've used it on an exhaust manifold with no problems :D

Per the website it's safe for constant use at 500F.
 

yorab

Ensign
Joined
Jul 6, 2002
Messages
960
Re: Cracked Block? It Has Good Compression

My guess is that it is a casting defect. As you mentioned, it is not causing a drop in compression, so I personally wouldn't worry too much about it. In my limited experience with old outboards, I've come across quite a few of these defects.
 
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