I purchased this block off here about a month and a half ago. It was a fresh block with only about 4k miles. Stock bore. Well, since it was used a took it to a local machine shop here in fort worth. I explained to them it's a used block and I want it checked over to make sure it's ready to go.

I get a call about 1 week later he tells me the block is great all that it needs to be done is the crank turned and the cylinders honed. So, I agree and purchase a re-ring rebuild kit from him also. So, I purchased the block for $500 and spent $700 at the machine shop for the re-ring kit and labor for the machine work. I go to put it back together tonight and see this. A crack on the side of the block where a cylinder head screw fits in.

Also, when I took the block in to the machine shop I wanted it checked over to make sure it was ready to go. After looking at my receipt he did not magna flux the block. Do you think that should have been done if you ask someone to check out a block you just bought used to make sure it was ready to go?

What do you think my options are. I have $1200 in this already.

 

eh. thats a tough call... i guess anythings fixable if its worth it to you.. i am sure the block i am selling is fine if you want i can make you a deal to help you out..

 

The crack was there BEFORE you tried to put the motor together right? Not trying to 2nd guess ya, just seen a lot of this from tightening the head bolts with too much oil/whatever applied to the threads and hydrolocking the bolts.

If this isn't the case, I would assume any respectable shop shoulda caught that.

I'm not sure about fixes, but I don't think there are any. Prolly just have to get a new block and start over....

 

I was thinking the same thing. If you haven't done anything to it yet they should have caught that.

 

its possible that when they put the plate on the deck to hone it there was fluid on the bolt hole and they hydrolocked it, or it was there to begin with.

My opinion, junk the block and start over. Some may say to try to fix it but not worth it in my opinion, other more expensive issues can result.

BUT... the shop should refund some money since they were paid to check the block before any work was done, so some fault does rest with them.

 

the shop didn't magnaflux the block because ls1's are aluminum not cast iron, but that is still not a reason for a machine shop to miss a crack like the one in the picture during a basic clean and inspect.

 

Take it over and have it tig welded up...its likely good to go after that.

 

Moroso makes an All Weather Seal to be used with coolant blocks to seal leaks:

http://www.moroso.com/catalog/catego...?catcode=22005

 

I have not put any heads on it yet. I added some more pictures for reference. All I did was install the crank and make it to the second piston when I saw the crack from turning the block over on the stand to install the rod bolts hand tight.

 

in all honesty i wouldnt try to fix it.. just for peace of mind

 

In your first post you had 400 for the purchase of the block now you changed it to 500????

It also looks like in yout last pic that there is a nice dent in the side of the top of the deck on the 2nd cyl from the back.

 

I went into my pms and found out I paid $500 not $400 for the block I could not remember... why?

I see the dent I guess someone dropped it at one time right there. I didnt think much of the dent since it was so small???

 

Crooner if ur lookin for a decent block I have one

 

Fix it...

 

I would grind out the crack and weld it up

 

I dont think sealing that crack is as much an issue as the structural integrity being compromised. That crack will play a huge role in getting the head to seal on the block surface evenly. Almost certainly looks like fluid was trapped in there and hydrolocking occured as stated above. I agree with the above poster who states more expensive issues can result.

 

get it welded should be fine i would use ARP head studs to much sure you get even tq to the heads.

The cylinder cross hatching looks a little rough might just be the lighting

 

take it back to the shop and ask them what the hell

 

they're blind if they missed that and since you didnt do anything head bolt related it was either from them or they missed it from when you bought it....I agree with double D. be like what the hell

 

The parts you will put into the block get more expensive as you go along , Me I would junk the block. but me i would scrap it and start over and use a different shop. If would sux to put it all together and it lets loose 1000 miles down the road.

I would also get some/all my money back from the shop, its horrible they didnt see that crack.