ike286107

I just found out my 327 block is cracked where the starter bolts and will not bolt in properly. Not the original engine for my '66. Mechanic said there is a machine shop that would cut the starter mounting off and weld another in its place. The machine shop apparently performs this for marine applications.

Is this worth the risk? Any other options other than replacing block/engine?

Bluestripe67

In '86, the machine shop that did my machining found a crack on a main web at a main cap bolt hole. Oh __it! I said. They had it, as I understand it, furnaced welded. That was about 125K miles back. You should not have a problem in my estimation. Dennis

ike286107

That is encouraging! It runs so great that I really don't want to or need to replace it. Had the suspension totally redone about 18 months ago and was really driving her!

Easy Rhino

Phrase that comes to mind: Can of worms.

First, why is it cracked? I would not spend money to fix it without knowing as well as having the block magna fluxed to check for any other cracks.

Also, what is it about the crack that prevents the starter from bolting up? Pictures?

Welding cast iron is a very specialized process that not many do,and unless somebody has come up with a new and better way to do it, involves heating up the block red hot. That means a complete engine removal/teardown.

Since you're into a serious weld repair, plus a complete teardown and magnaflux, and since it's not the original engine, I would be looking into other alternatives at or close to the same cost.

cv67

Not a good feeling, think Easy Rhino is right
If someone really knows what they are doing and you dont mind a little risk then...not too many that do it these days at least correctly.


Keep us posted

Pop Chevy

I think someone is blowing smoke up yer butt, but post a pic here and let us look at it. If it is just the outer starter bolt, I myself would weld it in the car and helicoil it. It does NOT need to heated cherry red to TIG weld. And this is not rocket science. Don't scrap it yet.

MikeM

Without seeing any pictures, this would be my thinking as well.

I've never heard of having to weld up a V-8 block for this problem but I understand it is quite common to do on four cylinder Chevy marine engines for some reasons. I don't know why.

MikeM

Plenty more info. Take yer pick.

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourcei...oles+cracked&*

ike286107

At this point I am going to get the car back from the shop and weigh the options. When I do, I will see if I can get some pictures.....seems like that would help with advice.

Robert61

I welded one in a suburban last year. Pretty hard to do in the vehicle. A car would be easier because the engine is lower and more accessible. Out of the car most competent machine shops should be able to do it. For something like that a nickel stick rod is more than adequate. I built a 396 for a friend last August and it was cracked there, welded it up. Post pics, if it's not as bad as the suburban I might have a different suggestion. On the suburban they had busted the entire side of the bolt hole away. Many years ago in a production shop it was quite common to get core engines that were dropped with the starter on and it would crack this boss. I fixed them regularly then. If you find some one that knows what they're doing its no issue at all.

ike286107

Unfortunately I am not sure where you are directing me MikeM.

MikeM

There are all kinds of links there with plenty of experience and advice. Click on a few of them.

You can have the engine out in an hour if need be. No big deal.

out2kayak

There are people in your neck of the woods that do these sorts of fixes. Doing a quick search, I found:

http://www.jeimportperformance.com/JE/welding-services/

http://automachineshop.net/cylinder.php

http://georgemillermachine.com/page-2

Not that I have used any of the above, but there are people near you that do this sort of work.

I'd call around and see what you can find.



-- Joe

R66

DON'T LET ANYONE CUT THE EAR OFF OF THAT BLOCK.
Find a competent weld shop and they will PT the crack to find the end of it and drill a hole to stop the cracking. Then, they will preheat the cast iron to prep it for welding with nickel rod (I prefer TIG, but MIG or SMAW is OK too) and then slowly cool the weld area after welding to prevent the weld from cracking.
You need a welder, not a mechanic.
They or you may need to retap the hole for the bolt, but not a big deal even if you need to add a 3/8"-16 TPI Helicoil.

wmf62

easy fix; get an earlier bellhousing that the starter bolts to the bellhousing, not the block

Bill

Blk63Vette

Hello

If its NOT the original engine for your car. If your worried about it. Why not get another engine block of the car??

tbarb

Was the engine used without the front starter brace?

wmf62

I have never had a front starter support brace and have never had a problem.... maybe I've been lucky...

Bill

dcamick

ike286107

Someone suggested JBweld which then could be tapped? Thoughts?