westmsm

Hello LS world,

I am building my first ls3 engine ever. I just got the block back from the machine shop. I told them to make it that a 5 year old could put it together. Practically do all the heavy labor or checking clearances etc. I got home and placed the engine on my work bench and saw this crack! I am not sure if the machinist caught this! How bad is it? Is it repairable or am I SOL? I'm a little upset since I paid them a little north of $1400. The crack is on the front side I believe. The side where the cam retainer plate is on.

Full Power

Do you have a friend with a TIG machine ?
I'd melt it back together, dress it flat with a file, and chase the threads.

Kawboom

Yeah, that can be repaired without too much issue, TIG welder and install that bolt a bit loose.

dixiebandit69

Looks like someone forgot that bolt when removing the oil pan, and tried prying the pan off anyway.

That bolt hole is not structural, and the crack doesn't extend into any liquid, so I wouldn't worry about it.

westmsm

Thanks for the reply! I'll have to find someone in the near DFW with a TIG welder. I'm glad it's not structural, but still sucks that there is a crack....

IGN-1A

DON'T weld, I would install a Threadsert.
I cannot observe the depth, I do believe that it is short.

Kawboom

I think it could use a quick zap so it won't crack further. It's not that big of a deal.

Scott Danforth

screw the bolt into the hole, weld up the crack, unthread teh bolt, continue with the build.

CattleAc

iTrader: (7)

This.


Maybe a little Loctite, your choice of flavor...and send it.

grinder11

iTrader: (1)

May want to drill a shallow hole at the known end of the crack before welding. This will help prevent the crack from continuing...Never mind, looks like it tracks all the way to the other bolt hole. Zoomed in this far, it's hard to see what that bolt hole at the side is/does.

westmsm

Thanks guys. I'll definitely get the crack repaired. More importantly, I know it won't leak oil!

jayyyw

cut a chamfer following the crack so the weld can penetrate further.