Repair of Cracks In Engine Blocks Above The Freeze Plug

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Author Topic:   Repair of Cracks In Engine Blocks Above The Freeze Plug

memory posted 12-19-2009 12:55 PM ET (US)
Can [a pre-mixed epoxy filler sold under the brand name Marine Tex be] used [to make repairs of cracks] on [an engine] block that is cracked above the freeze plug?
contender posted 12-19-2009 02:48 PM ET (US)
You have nothing to lose, the block is cracked already, I can see two problems, when the engine is running the block with heat up and the crack will open/expand, and marine tex does not expand, Second The block will crack more thus defeating your patch...However, I have seen this done before on a crack, you drill a small hole at the end of the crack, all the way through (suppose to prevent it from spreading/ getting longer) then try your marine tex. The area must be clean and dry. The correct way would be to have it welded if it can be done...good luck
tedious posted 12-19-2009 03:02 PM ET (US)
Forget the Marine Tex - use JB Weld - that's what it's made for.
Ridge Runner posted 12-19-2009 04:02 PM ET (US)
I second JB Weld.
jimh posted 12-19-2009 05:24 PM ET (US)
I do not understand the significance of the location of the crack as specified as being "above the freeze plug." Is there some significance to this location as compared to a crack in an engine block that is below the freeze plug?
Marine Tex has a website that promotes their product, and it mentions many applications. I do not see any mention of use for repair of engine blocks. From that omission I would make the inference that the manufacturer does not recommend Marine Tex for repair of engine blocks, either above or below the freeze plug.
Wasatch Whaler posted 12-20-2009 10:40 AM ET (US)
You didn't mention what type of engine or what the block is cast from. So, It could be an outboard with an aluminum block, or a cast iron V-8 if an inboard.
I have a friend who had a badly cracked (multiple cracks) MerCruiser 260 engine repaired by a company that specializes in casting repair. The before and after results were amazing, though commensurately priced.
Plotman posted 12-21-2009 09:13 AM ET (US)
JB Weld
modenacart posted 12-21-2009 04:56 PM ET (US)
You really should provide more information. Any recommendation at this point would be very premature.

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Author	Topic: Repair of Cracks In Engine Blocks Above The Freeze Plug
memory	posted 12-19-2009 12:55 PM ET (US) Can [a pre-mixed epoxy filler sold under the brand name Marine Tex be] used [to make repairs of cracks] on [an engine] block that is cracked above the freeze plug?
contender	posted 12-19-2009 02:48 PM ET (US) You have nothing to lose, the block is cracked already, I can see two problems, when the engine is running the block with heat up and the crack will open/expand, and marine tex does not expand, Second The block will crack more thus defeating your patch...However, I have seen this done before on a crack, you drill a small hole at the end of the crack, all the way through (suppose to prevent it from spreading/ getting longer) then try your marine tex. The area must be clean and dry. The correct way would be to have it welded if it can be done...good luck
tedious	posted 12-19-2009 03:02 PM ET (US) Forget the Marine Tex - use JB Weld - that's what it's made for.
Ridge Runner	posted 12-19-2009 04:02 PM ET (US) I second JB Weld.
jimh	posted 12-19-2009 05:24 PM ET (US) I do not understand the significance of the location of the crack as specified as being "above the freeze plug." Is there some significance to this location as compared to a crack in an engine block that is below the freeze plug? Marine Tex has a website that promotes their product, and it mentions many applications. I do not see any mention of use for repair of engine blocks. From that omission I would make the inference that the manufacturer does not recommend Marine Tex for repair of engine blocks, either above or below the freeze plug.
Wasatch Whaler	posted 12-20-2009 10:40 AM ET (US) You didn't mention what type of engine or what the block is cast from. So, It could be an outboard with an aluminum block, or a cast iron V-8 if an inboard. I have a friend who had a badly cracked (multiple cracks) MerCruiser 260 engine repaired by a company that specializes in casting repair. The before and after results were amazing, though commensurately priced.
Plotman	posted 12-21-2009 09:13 AM ET (US) JB Weld
modenacart	posted 12-21-2009 04:56 PM ET (US) You really should provide more information. Any recommendation at this point would be very premature.