Block welding?

[dodj]

So the 440 I picked up recently shows (magnaflux) about a 3-4" vertical crack between cylinders 4 and 6. Shop says it can be welded but it will be very visible if that matters to me. If I want it repaired so you can't tell it has been repaired, it will cost about $800 including shipping. Not willing to go that route. But, is welding a crack like that a smart thing to do? Or should I just keep on searching for another block? Its' a March 1967 casting, std bore.

[halle09]

depends on how much you got the block for but..... I mean i wouldnt want to build off it with your money then have it crack somewhere else id get a different one if its to much to fix it... seems like a lot of money. Its like buying a house when the foundation is cracking

[Chryco Psycho]

Find another block , the 67 did not have the rib along the outside at headbolt depth , welding is not the best fix , you have to heat the block to about 600* weld it with High nickle rod & cool it , you would do better to drill & tap holes along the crack & thread in plugs overlapping & seal it back up that way

[Cuda Cody]

Cold weld is the best IMO..... "drill & tap holes along the crack & thread in plugs overlapping"

Find another block , the 67 did not have the rib along the outside at headbolt depth , welding is not the best fix , you have to heat the block to about 600* weld it with High nickle rod & cool it , you would do better to drill & tap holes along the crack & thread in plugs overlapping & seal it back up that way

[Topcat]

Cold weld is the best IMO..... "drill & tap holes along the crack & thread in plugs overlapping"

There's a valid point to doing it that way.
Primarily because once welding occurs on cast iron, the molecules will try to move away and re arrange.

Others claim it stretches the metal using inserts thst overlap.
The size and depth of the crack and location are factors as well.

I was fortunate to have my original head repaired from a Jedi iron master welding it.
Probably he is the best in the west.

After talking with him; he re assured me his repairs are top nothch.

[Topcat]

Good company if you went this direction.
Very close to me. I went and spoke with them prior to my repair.
They do repairs all ove the world. Like Freighters and Locomotives.

http://www.locknstitch.com/castironwelding.htm