cracked block questions

[dbblackburn]

I have a 94 sea ray 20ft bow rider signature B200 series i think,with 5.0 alpha 1 in it . boat is loaded like new condition with 202 hours on it. sweet but it didnt get winterized at the end of 2005 and hasbeen siiting eversince the cracked block was found. fired right up second try runs great two revs then idels smooth.driver side poped a freeze plug other side cracked the block in a rainbow shape from freeze plug to freeze plug so now heres the question have been told weld it and also been told v out clean and jb weld it? what do i have too loose other then my time?got nothing invested in this it was given to me.no water in oil or anything. so let me know what your thoughts are on what you would do.

 

[cr2k]

Re: cracked block questions

I have salvaged exhaust manifolds by the v-out, jb weld method. Just don't be in a hurry to get back on the water and let it set up for a few days. Make sure it is real clean.

if you have a arc welder you can v out and use nickel rod to weld it up.

Just weld an inch at a time and peen the weld while its still red hot.

The JB weld works good in most cases as there is not a lot of pressure from the water.

 

[mkast]

Re: cracked block questions

what you would do.

Replace it with a 350.

 

[Isaacm1986]

Re: cracked block questions

I have fixed 3 different engine blocks with JB Weld, works really good. I did it in a car i bought, ran it for 3 years without any problems! was still running good when I sold it. If it were me, I would just JB weld it. Go to Napa or Autozone or local autopart store, you can get a new freeze plug. they are almost like a transom plug for a boat, you put it in and tighten it down. I have done this as well, it works good.

 

[171mach1]

Re: cracked block questions

I would look for a new block.mine was cracked from freeze damage too. but when I tore it down it was also cracked inside under the intake manifold .used truck blocks are easy to find too.

 

[danond]

Re: cracked block questions

You have nothing to lose, you're right. Aside from the entire boat when it sinks, that is.

JB Weld it and install 2 bilge pumps on automatic float switches and hope it doesn't sink while you're in it.

The alternative is to get another block and invest a very small amount of money in a free boat in the interest of the safety of your friends, family and self.

 

[td8]

Re: cracked block questions

How does a boat sink from a cracked block? Anyhow I have welded and used JB weld to repair a cracked block. If it was me I would clean it really good and JB weld it.It is very hard to weld cast iron most of the time you end up JB welding it anyway.

 

[proshadetree]

Re: cracked block questions

As far as the block or manifolds you can mig the snot out of them.Now dont go and mig the mains back in and expect it to be a top fuel dragster engine.Clean it grind it weld it.Ive had great luck with mig or wore welding low strength cast iron.Like you said what you got to lose?

 

[meesh]

Re: cracked block questions

It's a nice boat with a 305. Replace it with a 350 and you will be much happier. It's probably cracked internally anyway.

 

[dbblackburn]

Re: cracked block questions

i too doubt it will sink from a cracked block,but i have thought about a high powerd pump with a nice nozzle on it wait for the water to build up and have a jet boost lol. i didnt think about internal cracks since there was no water in or or such and it runs so darn well. i think i will take apart and inspect for damage then if none i will give the jb a shot.i have heard many stories of good luck with jb weld one on a bulldoser going strong for over 5 years.in the mean time i will start looking for a 350.

 

[cooter2506]

Re: cracked block questions

Jb weld it run it on muffs for 15 minutes and look for external leaks while it is running. Then drain oil and see if you have any water in it. If you dont dump the oil back in. Take to the lake and run it for an half an hour and then load it up and bring it home. Drain the oil. check for water. If none you are good to go. Sometimes on muffs you dont see water in the oil because you dont get the block hot enough to open a hair line crack.

 

[cr2k]

Re: cracked block questions

You can sink a boat from an externally cracked block by the boat filling up with water from the leak. No likely since you are aware of the problem and will be checking it often to see if your fix is holding.