OH CRAP: my block is cracked!

[4winns22]

I'll refrain, for the moment, from any discussion as to the idiot who winterized my 1990 4.3 litre OMC which has left me with two engine block cracks- -one line and one protruding. <br /><br />After an extensive web and phone search to discover the costs of a remanufactured long block (1.7k to 2.3k) and the labor ($650.00+) to flip engines, I'm presently researching the possibility of welding or compounds to repair the damage. I've seen some positive information on the web regarding both but I wanted to tap the talented resources here on this forum for practical experience. If anyone can help by providing their experience with either method and the associated costs involved, it would be greatly appreciated. Looks to be the best summer in a couple of years here in central New York and I'm bummed that I'm already missing it. Thanks in advance for any help friends.

 

[jeff13601]

Re: OH CRAP: my block is cracked!

I just went through that and Bondo gave me the idea. I pulled the motor and got the block where I could work on it. I ground a v all the way across the crack and cleaned it up real good. I then filled the crack with jb weld and let it dry a couple days as it was quite heavy. So far so good. This will be of no help though if you have an interior crack

 

[KaGee]

Re: OH CRAP: my block is cracked!

Sorry for your bad luck... I feel your pain.... really I do. As they say.... been there, done that, got the T-shirt. My crack was internal... leaking water into the oilpan. No fix for that. <br /><br />Others have welded, JB-Weld'ed and so forth, with mixed success. Do a search on welding or cracked block. There have been many posts addressing the subject.

 

[Bondo]

Re: OH CRAP: my block is cracked!

engine block cracks- -one line and one protruding.

Where,.... Exactly is it Cracked ????<br /><br />Once All the Cracks are Id.ed,..... Then a Plan of Attack can be made,............<br /><br />As stated above,...... External Cracks can sometimes be "Band-Aided"..........<br />Internal Cracks Can't be fixed,+ the Block Must be Replaced.....................<br /><br />A 1990 Junkyard Block Might be an Answer......

 

[4winns22]

Re: OH CRAP: my block is cracked!

I would like to thank everyone that responded for their input. The most predominant and alaraming concern I've received over the four forums that I posted on was that there could be internal cracks as well. And although the process of using a solution such as JB Weld would be inexpensive and not terribly time consuming, I'm not sure how well the beer will taste on board with any of that in the back of my mind. I'm looking at paying for a 10k wedding (mine, the second go around) this August and was looking for an easy out for my wallet. (Now I'm having trouble deciding if she's more important then the boat?) In all, the boat is a 1990 with the original engine and to spend the money for it, since I plan on keeping it for at least 5 years +, appears to be the most prudent measure I can take to keep the beer tasting good and the comfort level at a premium while on water that turns to ice in late December. Again, my deepest thanks to all for your input. Now, it's time to go find a bucket of $$$.<br />-----<br />Bill <br /><br />Just get me to the water, please!!

 

[KaGee]

Re: OH CRAP: my block is cracked!

The least expensive/comfortable way out is to pull the motor yourself, strip it down, take the short block and heads to a machine shop and let them swap out the internals into a fresh block and go over the heads. When done, you will have a refreshed engine that you can feel comfortable with and not break the bank.<br /><br />The good news is, you have a popular motor so finding a block (new or used) will be a piece of cake. <br /><br />

I'm looking at paying for a 10k wedding (mine, the second go around) this August and was looking for an easy out for my wallet. (Now I'm having trouble deciding if she's more important then the boat?)

Dude...! Where are your priorities????<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />Fix the boat !

 

[ahein]

Re: OH CRAP: my block is cracked!

I bought a reman longblock (Chevy 350 marine) from these guys last year http://www.remanufactured-marine-engines.com/index.html and, so far, I haven't had a bit of trouble. I double-checked all of the specs (compression, bore sizes, etc) before I put the parts from my old engine back on the new longblock. Everything checked out to O.E.M. tolerances. Cheapest online price I could find and easy to work with. And, no, I don't work for them or am I in any way associated with their company. Just a satisfied customer.<br /><br />You might want to consider this option after you get a price from an engine-rebuilder machine shop. If you have internal cracks, or even weak points, in your current engine, you may end up throwing good money after bad.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: OH CRAP: my block is cracked!

Bill, check these out:<br /><br /> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...tem=4556454050&category=50442&sspagename=WDVW <br /><br /> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...tem=4556657287&category=50442&sspagename=WDVW <br /><br />A few people here on iBoats highly recommend these guys (RapidOMarine) just search here for that name and you can read the threads.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: OH CRAP: my block is cracked!

I went the reman route also, and did my own wrenching. Took some time but saved a bundle....now lets see we need some capital to get back on the water....how many of these wedding guest do I really need to invite?......and cheese burgers and T-bones are both beef....hmmm…….can I have my wedding cake and go boating too???? But seriously Good luck with both.

 

[olbuddyjack]

Re: OH CRAP: my block is cracked!

…….can I have my wedding cake and go boating too????

Guests bring gifts. Have her register at the Marine Mega Mall...

 

[cneste]

Re: OH CRAP: my block is cracked!

Hello,<br /><br />Dont feel bad. I had a sudden change in surgery dates and didn't get to winterize my boat a few years back. After finding low compression in the "3" cylinder, I then pulled the heads and intake to reveal a 8 inch crack once the head bolts were removed. I went to a junkyard and got a 1989 long block chevy 4.3 astrovan engine and had it worked. email me if you need additional information.<br /><br />Chuck

 

[cneste]

Re: OH CRAP: my block is cracked!