Block Crack Testing

[tom.mcinerney]

Dr Lee.
Since block cracking is an important (eventually catastrophic) issue, I

[CleviteKid]

Thanx for the references back to prior posts. For the older N/A engines, the cracking seems to occur at the outer bolt holes for the bearing caps. You may need to turn the crank to get at both sides of all three interior main jounrnal webs, left and right sides (12 areas to examine in all) but they are all accessible. If you FIND cracks on your first or second shot (like I did on my original 1984 engine) then at least you get to stop looking !!

For stock-powered N/A operation (150 horsepower or less) these cracks are PROBABLY benign. No guarantees, your mileage may vary, void where prohibited, etc. etc. But add extra power, and perhaps a bad harmonic damper, and parts could end up on the pavement under the truck.

Dr. Lee :cool:

[450]

Dr. Lee....so do You feel that if the cracks are already present...would a block main girdle be of any use...or just a waste of money?

[CleviteKid]

Cracked block = find another block. Don't throw good money in a bottomless pit.

Dr. Lee :cool:

[450]

Thanks...kinda had that thought myself...guess there are no magic cures,....just hate to pitch an otherwise "good" block..