What to do about a cracked block?

[84TurboZxt]

I have been needing a to get a 2.2 short block for a build up, but have not been so lucky to even find one in good shape. Well I did get one 2.2 out of a 88 sundnace that looked good, I was so happy to think my car could be back on the road. Well here is the bad news, after taking the turbo off I find it has a 5 inch crack in the middle of the block. Now I am so bummed! I can take it back and get my money back before 30 days, besides the $40 in gas it took me for the round trip there and the $40 to do it again. It was the only engine they had ther beside one that had been on fire. my ? is.. has anyone ever welded a thin crack to keep it from spreading? and do you think there would be any problem with a block that was in a fire? thanks if I can't find a good block cheap...... I am getting out of TD forever, this is getting insane try to find good parts!!!!

[tonye66]

You can use a burned engine. Usually, it only harms the wiring. I would still pull it apart and look at the cylinder walls and head for surface rust. It may have had water in it when the firemen put it out. Nothing a competent machine cant fix. I suppose they could fix the crack in the other block as well, but Ill bet they wont guarantee it.

Tony

[Packrat]

How soon are you needing one? I am going to be pulling an early block out of my lancer to make room for a 2.5. The 2.2 has the diesel noise syndrome, and once it is out it will just be a boat anchor to me.

[84TurboZxt]

I need one asap, but realy want a 89 cb. When do you think you would be doing your build? I am looking at getting block from dodgeZ, but If I could save on shipping and just get one in Co. then that would be a good thing. I will let you know what is happening! I am wanting a block that can hold 300+ hp.. I hope I can push that out of one ! thanks.

[Packrat]

This one is not a CB it is the early one and does have the fuel pump block off. I am looking at about 2wks before it is out.
I have to finish rebuilding the front end on this dart before it can go in the garage and get pulled, once I can get the car in the garage it would only be a day or two till its on the floor.

[mpgmike]

You can use a non-turbo cb. I can get those at a rate of about 3 per day around here, just not the turbo blocks. What I do is drill a hole in the block for the oil drain, tap it for 1/2" NPT threads, then chuck up a piece of 5" X 1/2" NPT pipe and cut off about 3/4" off the end and cut a nice hose nipple on it. Granted, I have a mill-n-drill and lathe, but that's the only difference between the turbo and non-turbo blocks (until you get into TII-TIII-TIV blocks that are cross drilled). Your friendly neighborhood machine shop should be able to handle that chore for you. (Oh, it's a 23 degree angle on the pipe.) The non-turbo blocks are even drilled and tapped for your coolant line (behind the ps pump).

mpgmike
'88 Shelby Daytona
'91 Spirit R/T
'84 Rampage

[TurboBaron]

I too second the notion about grabbing a burned engine, though with the aluminum heads on these ones, double check for warpage.

I bought a 401 from a Jeep for my Javelin, and other than a melted carb and distributor, the engine inside was still peachy. Fire doesn't really harm cast iron unless it gets extremely hot.

[PUNKslip]

I agree, take that cracked motor back and swap it out. Welding cast, especially an engine block causes massive stress in that area, making that area prone to future cracking. The only way to lessing this is to have the block stress relieved after welding.
Just curious, did the block crack from freezing, or did it throw something?

John.

[ThreeTurbos]

you can also snag a turbo common block out of any 89+ 2.5t1 personally id look for a 90 or newer 2.5t1 motor. they are all over the place.

same block, same rods. just a different crank and pistons.

if you cant find one and you need it badly pm me. i have several.

[84TurboZxt]

I looked around and found this 2.2 engine that was for $450, I got it for $400. Took most of the parts off B/c all I needed was a block and found a 5 inch crack in it. I kept some of the small parts and got back my money. They tossed away most everything, but the turbo. so I got some parts I wanted and got back all the money(I used half to pay my bills). aweek ago I pulled the engine it was going to replace b/c a ear on the block is snaped. Right now I'm getting rid of junk and cleaning up the engine bay. but on the look out for a free or cheap block.

[mpgmike]

Too bad you don't live closer. I can get you free or cheap blocks galore around here.

mpgmike
'88 Daytona Shelby
'91 Spirit R/T
'84 Rampage
'89 Masi TC

[89acclaim]

Mike you say free / cheep blocks around here.... as in where I am.... I am interisted...

Daniel Merrill

[Aries_Turbo]

dont get a 89 CB if at all possible. the 90 and newer is what you want. In 90 beefed the rear of the block to prevent this cracking that is prevalent in high HP cars. I used a TBI block and routed the drain to the oilpan. works well.

Brian

[Tim_K]

"High HP cars"... At what WHP point do the '89 common blocks start to have crack problems? And how can I tell for sure that a 90-up CB has the extra reinforcements? Got photos?

[Moparmonster]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 84TurboZxt I have been needing a to get a 2.2 short block for a build up, but have not been so lucky to even find one in good shape. Well I did get one 2.2 out of a 88 sundnace that looked good, I was so happy to think my car could be back on the road. Well here is the bad news, after taking the turbo off I find it has a 5 inch crack in the middle of the block. Now I am so bummed! I can take it back and get my money back before 30 days, besides the $40 in gas it took me for the round trip there and the $40 to do it again. It was the only engine they had ther beside one that had been on fire. my ? is.. has anyone ever welded a thin crack to keep it from spreading? and do you think there would be any problem with a block that was in a fire? thanks if I can't find a good block cheap...... I am getting out of TD forever, this is getting insane try to find good parts!!!!

Did you go to Pull-N-Save on Peoria and I-70?