Cracked Block
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 618
Likes: 3
From: Grand Rapids
Cracked Block
Just replaced my water pump and noticed a leak at the block heater. Ive never used the heater but the PO might have as I discovered a 4 inch hairline crack! We cleaned the area and dried it with compressed air and saw coolant sweating through the crack. Is there a fix for this without going down the expensive and time consuming route of looking for another block?
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,319
Likes: 4
From: Elk City, OK
a complete engine is a better bet. can you do the work yourself? look for a 85-87 6.9l they are stronger there and less chance of cracking. you can have that block welded but you better find a good cast iron welder. one whos been doin it for a while. if you get a bare block, your lookin at around 2500-5000 to have someone else basically rebuild it with your internals. you can find a good used engine with plenty of miles left on it for about 800. might be easier to find a 7.3l block you just have to worry about cavitation
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,086
Likes: 1
From: Malahat/Cowichan Valley
jb weld.....hahha had to say it! lol. pretty much everywhere things make sense, not here, there are good mechanics that are able to do things like weld cast iron, rebuild injection pumps and not charge an arm and a leg for something they dont even understand.So hopefully there is a good guy around you that can do this. Last resort....is this stuff. it might work but bars wont touch that kind of leak imho.
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 618
Likes: 3
From: Grand Rapids
I'm gonna go for the weld option. I hear there,s a couple of guys here who can do it. Engine/block replacement is out of the question as far as finances and time are concerned. This is a working truck and needs to be back on the road ASAP.
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 618
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From: Grand Rapids
Will they have to have the engine removed for the repair?
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Joined: Feb 2010
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If you can't get the crack fixed, dropping in a new engine isn't that bad, and you can find new used engines for around 300$
If you need a new engine just let me know, I know a few guys selling 6.9's around Indy.
If you need a new engine just let me know, I know a few guys selling 6.9's around Indy.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,319
Likes: 4
From: Elk City, OK
depends on the welder. you can remove your inner fender well splash guard, remove the exhaust manifold and that will open that space up for him to work. you will have to drain the water from the block, remove the heater and make sure theres no water in there for sure. then put a NEW heater in there and fill her back up. back together and enjoy
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 618
Likes: 3
From: Grand Rapids
I'll probably just put a freeze plug in there instead since the use of the block heater was what caused the crack in the first place!
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 618
Likes: 3
From: Grand Rapids
Funny thing is I'm not losing any coolant. Would this indicate that the crack is only on the surface and that I may get away with using some JB weld? I'm loath to get rid of this motor as it only has 169000 genuine miles on it and starts and runs great
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,086
Likes: 1
From: Malahat/Cowichan Valley
is this thing just a tiny little leak, like a weeping drip or a bunch of drops. It if is tiny, just get that irontite ceramic sealer or the all irontite all weather seal(easier to use, compatible with coolant) and try that before anything else. JB is good but this needs to seal from the inside out and jb cant get in there like an internal sealant. 20 bucks or less bro, give it a try.