[solidaxel]

Is there anything better than J-B Weld (Epoxy) to repair a short crack in the water jacket between Cyl 3 & 5?
I am not going to remove the engine to do the repair or I would weld it . Has anybody had good luck with Epoxy or any other suggestions. This is on t 350CI in a boat,and by removing the exhaust manifold I can get at the crack. I didn't think it got that cold in So. Arizona to do this even under the engine cover, wrong guess !!!

[Henry Highrise]

It would be the best thing to just get another block...I know you did not want to hear that, but thats my advice.

[Jmark]

How about some of that Billy Maze Mighty Putty! LOL

Honestly, it's a crap shoot if it will work or not. I guess you can try. Just don't forget to run the bulge pump ALL THE TIME just in case! Hate to see it on the bottom of the lake!

[345 desoto]

Your 350 boat engine has relatively no pressure in the cooling system, while running. The only pressure is from the water pump. The raw water pump (seawater pump) is for cooling the exhaust manifolds and doesnt circulate through the engine block/heads. JB Weld is ideal for use to fix this crack...in this case. You must remove the exhaust manifold and SCRUPULOUSLY clean the crack and surrounding area down to clean, bare metal. All traces of rust and any contaminants such as paint must all be removed. Wipe the area down thouroughly with Acetone...it will remove any residues and dissolve any water. When dry, apply the JB Weld and STUFF it into the crack, so that it adheres well, and let it cure for at least 24 hours. I've done a number of boat "freeze crack" repairs, and with proper prep they've all held with no problems...

[boatbob2]

Hi,345 Desoto gave you some good info,but,i would take a 4 inch grinder and grind the crack,just a little, into a v shape, dont go thru the crack.then wash with acetone then JB Weld.

[4 Jaw Chuck]

Braze it? Works like a charm and once the crack is fluxed well enough to get it clean the bronze material will flow in and seal it up.

[solidaxel]

Originally Posted by 345 desoto

Your 350 boat engine has relatively no pressure in the cooling system, while running. The only pressure is from the water pump. The raw water pump (seawater pump) is for cooling the exhaust manifolds and doesnt circulate through the engine block/heads. JB Weld is ideal for use to fix this crack...in this case. You must remove the exhaust manifold and SCRUPULOUSLY clean the crack and surrounding area down to clean, bare metal. All traces of rust and any contaminants such as paint must all be removed. Wipe the area down thouroughly with Acetone...it will remove any residues and dissolve any water. When dry, apply the JB Weld and STUFF it into the crack, so that it adheres well, and let it cure for at least 24 hours. I've done a number of boat "freeze crack" repairs, and with proper prep they've all held with no problems...

So, JB weld is the best on the market.

Thanks for the confirmation

[NAIRB]

WWW.LOCKNSTITCH.COM is another option.

It works well and makes an invisible repair without welding. Kind of pricey for a one time repair to buy the stuff though.

[solidaxel]

Originally Posted by NAIRB

WWW.LOCKNSTITCH.COM is another option.

It works well and makes an invisible repair without welding. Kind of pricey for a one time repair to buy the stuff though.

From the looks of the article there is no need to look any further, Thanks for the information, in this day in age I thought there might be something else out there along with J-B Weld.

[sam-missle]

Originally Posted by solidaxel

From the looks of the article there is no need to look any further, Thanks for the information, in this day in age I thought there might be something else out there along with J-B Weld.

All the posts have very good info, one more option is marine-tech, sold at boat supply houses, similar to Jb weld, and works great.

sam-missle