Block question?

[Howard Wright]

Hi All

I’m getting a bit fed up with this van of mine!

On the ‘what have you done’ thread I mentioned that I pulled the centre stud whilst attempting to cure a leaking gasket.  Well the stud was already a stepped stud so I made one with a lot more thread.  


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Before I install a new gasket I thought I’d torque it up against a tube to test it.  It pulled again.

Closer inspection and I think the block is U/S.  Hairline cracks from the stud hole to the liners.


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So first question……I have a 1925 magneto engine that was running when I took it out of the car.  I assume there is no reason I can’t use the block from this engine in the coil engine?

Second question…..If this is not possible anyone got a spare good block they could sell me?

Cheers

Howard

[Ruairidh Dunford]

It looks like the block has liners fitted, so the cracks should not cause a problem into the bores.

Use a good quality ceramic block sealer once everything is back together and it will likely be fine until you have another engine ready for it.

You should be able to helicoil the centre stud hole to take a 3/8 bsf stepped stud. Use Loctite to secure both.

[Howard Wright]

Thanks Ruaridh

I’ve ordered som Irontite seal and a 3/8” Helicoil set.

That should give me time to look out for and rebuild a replacement engine.

Cheers

Howard

[Ian Williams]

I am sorry Howard but in my experience a Helicoil in this situation will break into the waterway and is a recipe for failure, its a get you home measure at the best! I would not waste my time just fit a better block now.

[Howard Wright]

Thanks Ian

I have another block that needs a lot of work and will take a few weeks to get machined. So I’ll try this as a temporary fix in the mean time. If it doesn’t work so be it.

Cheers

Howard

[Austin in the Shed]

I had one cracked 3 ways ,it worked ok.Irontite is a good sealer in my experience.

[Ian Williams]

My other thought Howard is that you already have a seriously compromised radiator and cooling system, putting sealer through it will more than likely worsen the blockages.

[Howard Wright]

Hi Ian

Yes I’d thought of that but I’ll cross that hurdle when I come to it.

Cheers

Howard