[RubberMeetstheRoad]

Just bought a Motown prepped block and noticed a hole in the casting at the base of the left rear cylinder leading into the cam cavity and the cavity above the rear cap. I can't attach pic because it's too large and I don't know how to shrink it. Brought it to World on LI and they said it was normal and showed me some other blocks that had it. Still just wondering if anyone who bought one has the same hole. It doesn't seem to me it would compromise the block structurally and may be there for a reason(World didn't elaborate, just said it was normal). Never recall seeing a hole like this in a block, but I haven't done much engine building: a friend who has is going to help me with the build. Thanks to all who reply! Andy

[TwinturboEFI454]

It Should Be Rugular...mabe A Oil Feed Or A Pressure Release...merlin Blocks Are Fitted With Alot Of Hightech Stuff.... They Have The Clearance To Fit Enormouse Stroker Cranks.. and extra strong castings

[k-star]

Well it's almost imposable to tell with-out a picture.... Is it a machined hole or a casting hole?????

keith

[RubberMeetstheRoad]

I downloaded a pic in My photo gallery. The hole is right above the bright spot (flashlight) on the right cylinder.

[k-star]

The last motown block i built did not have that hole there... I would spray some brakecleen into that hole and see if it comes out some place...If it's a oil drain you will see it come out the top of the block in the lifter galley..... It sure looks like there would be water right where that hole is?????

I don't have a warm fuzzy feeling about that hole..... If i would be building that engine i would at least pressure check that side of the block to make 100 percent sure there is not any issues with it before i assembled it.... But that just me....

Keith

[RubberMeetstheRoad]

Keith
The hole goes right through to the cavity where the distributor comes down. You can reach around with your finger into this area: it's all connected. I spoke to someone at World today and he said that it's a relief for the end of the distributor and when I went there I was shown other blocks with the same hole. Maybe I'm just being paranoid(did he show me all the reject blocks? lol) but it cost a pantload of money and would like to be sure. I wouldn't think World would want to risk their rep putting out crappy parts. The cam bearings were a little scratched(this is the prepped block), so they are going to install new ones free of charge. I don't have a lot of experience building engines, so I'm wondering if this makes sense. Thank you and all who responded. Andy

[k-star]

I am going to send you a PM..

keith