Is this where someone tried to fix block?

[New_Blue]

I was doing a little looking around today and found what looks to be a repair job on the block. Any ideas? It sure looked that way to me but I am still learning. My "helpers" were with me so I wasn't able to get the screws and plate off to see if there was a visible crack. This is a 1979 Mercruiser 898 with Chevy 305.

Thank you.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Is this where someone tried to fix block?

Looks like one nasty JB Weld patch job...
They drilled the ends of the crack and i'm not sure what the square part over the center of the patch is..
You can tell its leaking too...

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Is this where someone tried to fix block?

My "helpers" were with me so I wasn't able to get the screws and plate off to see if there was a visible crack.

Yeah, that's how it looks when someone trys to "fix" a cracked block with epoxy (JB Weld etc)

I suppose it works (after a fashion)......they frequently leak. But if it leaks raw water it doesn't hurt much (until the crack opens up and starts leaking more)

It's probably ok for a (small) lake boat. (NOT a Great Lake) I would be a little leery of taking an epoxied block off-shore or out somewhere where I couldn't easily get help......

 

[New_Blue]

Re: Is this where someone tried to fix block?

From what I could tell it's a rusted square piece metal that was then screwed in place at each end. They then painted it and the paint is now flaking off. I am not very confident in the "fix"...just makes the decision to get a new block a little more easier.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Is this where someone tried to fix block?

I know bad news but a new block is your only option to do the job right..

 

[Polar_Bus]

Re: Is this where someone tried to fix block?

I was doing a little looking around today and found what looks to be a repair job on the block. Any ideas? It sure looked that way to me but I am still learning. My "helpers" were with me so I wasn't able to get the screws and plate off to see if there was a visible crack. This is a 1979 Mercruiser 898 with Chevy 305.

Thank you.

That's exactly where 90% of SBC engines crack from freezing. Right between the cylinders. This is the area where ice has the most internal jacket space to expand. That is also one unique "hack" job repair using a plate screwed to the block...

 

[Alumarine]

Re: Is this where someone tried to fix block?

As long as it's only leaking a bit I wouldn't mess with it.

Would probably just make it worse.

 

[Polar_Bus]

Re: Is this where someone tried to fix block?

At least now, when the water freezes, the excessive ice pressure can leak out the crack..