Welding hole in block?

[rost495]

So I have this hole in my engine block. Is welding a real option? I was snooping around and found one place in FL that said average cost is 125 to weld a hole shut. There is a ton of difference between that and a new or used engine.<br /><br />How reliable will the engine then be IF the hole can be welded? Also rebuilding the crank if needed?? Is it reliable?<br /><br />Thanks, Jeff

 

[OBJ]

Re: Welding hole in block?

The reliability of the fix will only be as reliable as the welder is good. Shops that do this work and advertise usually do good work and can be relied on. Same for rebuilt cranks. I have used a few and have no complaints. Crank rebuilding takes specialized equippment used by people that know what they are doing. And yes, it will save you a crap load of money.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Welding hole in block?

Where's the hole exactly, and how big is it?<br /><br />Was it caused by a blow, or an object hitting it, or has it appeared as a result of general corrosion?<br /><br />- All makes a difference to your decision.

 

[papasage]

Re: Welding hole in block?

i have run several 50 hp motors with a hole in it from a rod hitting when come loose . i had a place here that build irrigation equipment to weld it for me . if there isent a crack that runs to a crushel part it will work . there should be be a welding shop in your aera that can weld it . most have a mig or wire welder that welds aluminum. have seen jb weld used if hole isent to big . i had rather weld it .

 

[rost495]

Re: Welding hole in block?

engine not far enough apart to tell why. Hole about 1/2 inch tall and 1 inch long and a bit further is cracked. <br /><br />Location. I don't know boat motor terms. Took the carbs off and then the part that has the reed plates(intake?) Next plate(block?) has the bearing retainer bolts in it and the hole is at the bottom of that. There are 2 small grooves that run down this piece and the hole is on the left and below that. <br /><br />I can see the crankshaft come by as you rotate the flywheel.<br /><br />Have a photo or two but not a clue how to post them either.<br /><br />My dilema is I'm going to take the boat offshore some and want the engine reliable. We were taking it down to rebuild the block and see what we could(used motor) when we found the hole. At the moment the cheapest I could find a rebuild kit is like 1250 bucks(dang boat parts are HIGH...) and then factor in a couple of coils that are bad and still have to fix a tilt/trim leak etc.... I may be in the area of 2000 bucks or more which is starting to sound like, lets go buy a different used one... <br /><br />Jeff

 

[Blueclaw]

Re: Welding hole in block?

In your other post you described the hole location was on the intake side of the crankcase where the crankshaft sits. Did you split the case to see what caused this?<br /><br />Did you take the piece down to the welder like I recommended, or did you talk to him on the phone?<br /><br />you better pull it apart and have a look before you make a decission if you haven't already.

 

[rost495]

Re: Welding hole in block?

I live way out in the country. No local good welders here. Not aluminum anyway. I just snooped the net and happened to find a place in Florida that talked welding.<br /><br />I'm also super swamped with family medical problems so the engine issue only gets a bit of time here and there. My current problem is that we took the engine apart backwards. IE I still don't have the flywheel off. Hopefully today to see further. There is a long story behind the progress here, and the block is still on the "motor frame" on the boat.<br /><br />Thanks for any input.<br /><br />Jeff