Ive got a sbc with hairline cracks in the lifter valley across each cylinder water jacket. These showed up when magnafluxed. They showed no signs of leakage when the motor was torn down. I hate to get rid of the block because it is out of my anniversary model corvette. Can this be repaired and how expensive is it?
These cracks are from the block freezing in cold weather. I would not try to fix this because when you tighten the head bolts these cracks will pull apart and leak. I understand you want to keep the block but it is not worth throwing money at, just to have it leak at a later time causing more ruined parts and more down time. Junk it and find another block.
I have seen quite a few of the later one piece rear seal blocks stress crack above the lifter bores. Usually toward the rear and up a couple inches. Running at an angle across the surface.
I have drilled the ends of the cracks, V-eed these cracks out, heated the block to about 500 degrees and welded the blocks. But, this is not something most shops can do. Also a bit spendy if you have a blacksmith do it.
Another block would be cheaper, unless you really need the matching numbers
Actually, if it's the original motor out of his Corvette as he implies, it IS serialized to that car. But I do agree that it would be better to just replace it. By the way, which "anniversary" year is it?
What year of corvette are we talking? If it needs decked chances are there gonna remove the VIN anyway. Find a block with the same casting #'s have it decked to 9.000" and no one will know the differance.
One point everyone is ignoring is the engine was running fine and not leaking. How likely are the hairline cracks to begin leaking after a rebuild? How likely are they to get longer, larger and begin to leak years down the road? Just asking, as I stay as far away as possible from later SBC.
Ive got a sbc with hairline cracks in the lifter valley across each cylinder water jacket. These showed up when magnafluxed. They showed no signs of leakage when the motor was torn down. I hate to get rid of the block because it is out of my anniversary model corvette. Can this be repaired and how expensive is it?
This is pretty common, if you chased every crack in a casting you'd go nuts. If they're not leaking and you don't lean on the engine for lots of power all the time, just ignore them.
Bogie
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Hot Rod Forum
2.2M posts
175.7K members
Since 2001
A forum community dedicated to hot rod owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about restoration, builds, performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!