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Cracked Engine Block - repair options?
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Dale (Stonelick) View Drop Down
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Joined: 13 Jun 2019
Location: Stonelick, Ohio
Points: 179 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dale (Stonelick) Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Cracked Engine Block - repair options?
    Posted: 08 May 2023 at 8:54pm
I discovered that my newly acquired 1944 Allis C has a cracked engine block - see picture (it is outlined with a black marker).  It's an eight inch horizontal hairline crack that runs through the engine block coolant drain plug hole.  Asking for suggested economical repair options.

I checked the internet (and an Allis forum post dated 1/17/20) and found some options listed: replace block, weld crack, bolt on a flat plate with gasket and RTV or Permatex, grind out crack and seal with JB Weld, Belzona 1111 Super Metal, or Aluma patching material, or add K-Seal to the coolant.  Since the crack runs through the coolant drain hole, I think it adds to the complexity.

Will appreciate any suggestions.
1951 CA - 1944 C - 1949 B - Kubota M6800
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DrAllis View Drop Down
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Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Points: 20120 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DrAllis Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 May 2023 at 9:21pm
Different block. Welding would be second best, but will leak (in time) even if you use some type of sealer. NOTHING IS WORSE than getting a tractor all fixed up and painted and then in a couple of years the damn block is leaking. What do you think that will do to the resale value ????
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DiyDave View Drop Down
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Joined: 11 Sep 2009
Location: Gambrills, MD
Points: 51255 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DiyDave Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 May 2023 at 4:18am
First step I would do is to find someone who can magna-flux the crack, to find the ends of the crack.  Then use the lock and stitch shown in this video, make sure not to drill through the back of the water jacket, though. Once its repaired and back in service, some blue devil block sealant, added to the coolant per the instructions on the can.  As the Dr said, first check to see if you can find a better block...Wink
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WF owner View Drop Down
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Joined: 12 May 2013
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Points: 4569 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote WF owner Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 May 2023 at 5:04am
I had the block on my WF welded, because it was my grandfather's tractor and I want to keep it as original as possible.

Unless you have a reason, I would go with Doc's recommendation of a replacement block. With machining, parts and labor, a complete engine rebuild is going to be $2000 or more. Why start with a cracked block?
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Joined: 12 Sep 2009
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Points: 4631 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote PaulB Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 May 2023 at 6:32am
In today's world, finding a competent person with the skills to to do a weld repair on a cracked block is practically impossible. In years past this was not the case. With what you would spend to have a block thoroughly cleaned, magnafluxed then repaired, would buy you a truckload of usable blocks.
If it was fun to pull in LOW gear, I could have a John Deere.
Real pullers don't have speed limits.
If you can't make it GO... make it SHINY
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Jgranat View Drop Down
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Joined: 25 Mar 2019
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Points: 113 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Jgranat Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 May 2023 at 10:35am
OrangeKnight has a bunch of b/c trractors he is parting out in the classified section, why not investigate that at least.
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JC-WI View Drop Down
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Joined: 11 Sep 2009
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Points: 33769 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JC-WI Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 May 2023 at 11:17am
Get it magna-fluxed.
Didn't see it leaking before?
 Have seen nickle rod weld where the crack was V and weld an 3/4inch and peen the weld till it was cool and then weld again until done.
 Seen one engine that was laid on it's side, crack was 'v'd a little bit and a cleaning acid was poured on and then heated the block enough for soldier to flow and after 50 years, it is still holding.
He who says there is no evil has already deceived himself
The truth is the truth, sugar coated or not. Trawler II says, "Remember that."
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modirt View Drop Down
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Joined: 18 Jul 2018
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Points: 7069 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote modirt Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 May 2023 at 5:53pm
Several potential donor C's on Auctiontime.

Shop where the D15 is sitting has a C that i hear is for sale. they say it was running when it was parked, and has a 2 row cultivator on it. Central MO. If interested, I'll investigate further.
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HudCo View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Jan 2013
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Points: 3476 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote HudCo Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 May 2023 at 9:09pm
their is only a few of us left with the skilss to do it so it will last  but at a 120 an hour i would recomend a used block 
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Codger View Drop Down
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Joined: 23 Dec 2020
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Points: 2010 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Codger Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 May 2023 at 11:17pm
There are still a few of us "old guys" that will do that type of repair. We are however getting fewer as time marches on. It is expensive to perform correctly and even I would look for a donor cylinder block and resort to welding as a last resort to salvage if no other means. That block looks to have frozen from lack of anti freeze solution so it's not a thermal expansion and contraction crack which is much more difficult to facilitate a lasting repair upon.  
A career built on repairing and improving engineering design deficiencies, shortcomings, and failures over 50 years now.
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Lon(MN) View Drop Down
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Joined: 11 Sep 2009
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Points: 1953 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Lon(MN) Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 May 2023 at 6:12am
I have six bare blocks with no cracks. $100 each.
http://lonsallischalmers.com
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DonDittmar View Drop Down
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Joined: 15 Sep 2009
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Points: 2478 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DonDittmar Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 May 2023 at 6:28am
Originally posted by Lon(MN) Lon(MN) wrote:

I have six bare blocks with no cracks. $100 each.

You cant begin to have a block repaired, either welded or lock n stitch, for 100.00. Buy a used block from Lon LOL
Experience is a fancy name for past mistakes. "Great moments are born from great opportunity"

1968 D15D,1962 D19D
Also 1965 Cub Loboy and 1958 JD 720 Diesel Pony Start
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Dale (Stonelick) View Drop Down
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Joined: 13 Jun 2019
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Points: 179 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dale (Stonelick) Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 May 2023 at 9:08am
Thanks for all the expert advice. Surprised about the difficulties and cost of a weld solution. Hoping that a block replacement is not too far above my abilities.

JC-Wi ... I kick myself for not realizing the block had potential issues before getting the winning on-line auction bid. I did get a chance to see the tractor during a limited pre-auction inspection - noticed the pealed paint & rust beneath the carb, but didn't connect the dots. The deceased owner's son said that this tractor was started about 5 years ago (not the case at present), so I assumed this was a diamond in the rough. The owner had about 25 old tractors in various states of repair when he died.

Others ... No thanks at this time on leads for a replacement block.  I live in SW Ohio, and will attempt to find something closer to home, after I get it running.
1951 CA - 1944 C - 1949 B - Kubota M6800
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