My machine shop found a crack in the block from my 71'. It's about 1" long and goes from the water jacket to the lifter valley. They say they can fix it using a method called "stiching". Apparently they drill a series of small holes along the crack and hammer in some type of plugs with a sealer then leak check the block. They claim it's used often and works well. Anybody ever heard of this fix? Does it work? This is my matching numbers block so I hate to trash it.

 

that is only one of the cracks....... problem is if it cracked there there will be other cracks...time to look for a new block...

 

It's bad news anyway you look at it. Resale value is lost on that motor with that crack, even if repaired. You may trust the repair, but the next owner may not. Find a replacement block date-coded like yours. Not too hard to find.

 

I have heard of this being used to repair heavy equipment. I think the process works something like this: They drill a hole at the end of the crack to stop it from going any further. Then they drill and tap it for a threaded metal pin. The next hole they drill will partialy overlap the first hole/pin and head down the length of the crack. The process is repeated untill the crack has been replaced with overlapping pins. If it were my block and I had access to a capable shop willing to work on a car block, I would definately consider giving it a try.

-Mark.

 

I agree with finding another block. By the time the machinst tries to fix the current one, you'll have enough money invested to almost buy and rebuild another block. You should be able to find another block for $150-$300. You'll need another $500 or so to have it boiled, check for need of align boring and boring for new 30-over pistons. If you're handy with a torque wrench, then you could end up with a great engine for under $2K. Of course, when you go down this road, it is very tempting to add new heads, cam, intake, etc. Let your budget decide when to quit.

 

I have in the past used different methods of repairing blocks . One if you can get to the crack it can be welded. You must use a speacial rod. It was sold at Sears for welding cast iron.I have welded many blocks externely I welded a block internaly. where a rod went through the lifter oil galley it has held up for a long time. Also you can get some very high qaulity epoxy.There is also something called Pig Putty. It is used mostly in invieromental spills. I have used it on the inside of outboard motors. It holds up quite well.It is a lot like JB weld.

 

 

Unless this is a numbers matching block and you care about that stuff get rid of it and find another one. Blocks are pretty cheap.

 

Here's yet another option. The guy is in Ohio, but he might know someone in Michigan near you who can give you some help. I know, I know - not a Corvette web site but I have a 78 TA also...
http://216.178.81.108/forums/showthread.php?t=459532

 

It can be done, with a numbers matching block I'd sure give it a try.

 

Yes, it's the numbers matching block. Doesn't mean much to me, but might to the next guy. I suppose I could just hang on to the original block, find a replacement, and when I sell the car, let the new owner deside. Thanks for all the input.

 

Try talking to Antieau Welding in Garden City, MI. Ask for Russ. He'll know if it can be fixed or not. It's worth letting him look at it before giving up. Russ welds cast iron and most anything made out of metal. He's not cheap but he's VERY talented. He's helped me with a number of projects. He repairs rare vintage Ford stuff, i.e, cylinder heads etc. all the time.

Regardless, I would keep the block even if you decide to find another. It's kind of like cryogenically freezing Ted William's head....no telling when technology will progress to where ol' Ted's head can be placed on another athlete's body so the glory days of baseball can be re-lived.

Same with your block...someday it may be possible to rebuild it even if it's deemed a loss today.

If you are in for a treasure hunt...you can search for a correct casting number block with a date code close to yours. It can be done! I found a block for a friend of mine for a '72 LT-1 that was the same casting number and a date within one day of his original on ebay....Lucky!!

Hemming's lists guys who stockpile chevy blocks. It's very likely one of these places will have one close. Don't lose sight of the fact that just because your block came from a Corvette, a million other 350's with the same casting numbers were installed in pass cars, trucks, etc. That improves the odds for you significantly.

 

nothing wrong with welding. you can always weld the block and put it aside, get a replacement for a couple hundred. best of both worlds. send me your numbers, i'll see what I got.

 

This brings back a haunting question I have been mulling over for a while. My '72 LT-1 still has the bone stock, original, numbers matching engine with 85k on the odometer. Should I yank it out, put it on a shelf and put in a zz4 crate motor?????? I have had opinions from both sides, purists say I am playing with a ticking timebomb...