I just bought a used but prepped 390 block, and there is a rather large chip in the top of the center oil galley... is this worth worrying about? It is not all of the way through. The engine has been sitting for three or so years, but the chip looks older than that, and it came out of a running engine. If it is worth worrying about... can I weld or JB weld this back to shape?

 

This is a tough one, since it will be hard to tell if it leaks or not. Even if it does, you'd never notice it in a running engine, unless it's leaking real bad, which would lower your oil pressure. I can tell you, if it was me I'd have someone experienced with welding cast iron weld it up. As an alternative, the JB should work good.

 

Thanks for replying so quickly. I knoe typically that the JB weld holds well, I was however concerned that through heat cycles it could break loose. JB is designed for iron though, so I'll give it a try.

Thanks!!!