| Name: |
Tate AU
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| Subject: |
Question 4 CAT or Engine Savy
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Date:
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1/30/2009 1:17:07 PM
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I recently bought a boat near Atlanta that has a cracked block. After some research I discovered what is called Metal Stitching or "LockNStitch". After tearing down the engine the only visible cracks are in the cooling jacket. Now my question is has anyone here ever used "metal stitching" or "cold welding" to repair a cracked block (cooling jacket). I know it is more commonly used in heads but I have heard of it being used in blocks as well. Below is a link to the site and it has some interesting examples and uses. After reading through other forums on the internet it seems like a good alternative to paying $1400 for a new block. If you go to the website click on "Repair Examples" at the top of the screen... It is very interesting. Thanks for any input! Sam
URL: Lock-N-Stitch
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| Name: |
Swimmer27
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| Subject: |
Question 4 CAT or Engine Savy
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Date:
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1/30/2009 1:40:50 PM
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My Dad drove a screwdriver through the block of a brand new riding mower the first time he went to change the oil. He promptly patched it with JB Weld. I realize the temps are higher in a bigger engine, but the principles are the same. If the product says it can handle the temps why not use it?
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| Name: |
rubber duck
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| Subject: |
Question 4 CAT or Engine Savy
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Date:
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1/30/2009 3:13:54 PM
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We've used Metal Lock on cast iron air compressor water jackets over the years and have had good performance from the repairs, I think this is basically the same system shown on the web site.
The company we used was Metal Lock of Alabama. Sorry I don't have a phone number for them.
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| Name: |
mckaygmc
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| Subject: |
Question 4 CAT or Engine Savy
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Date:
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1/31/2009 9:44:44 AM
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My only problem with that is . If you take the engine out and fix it and rebuild the internals. Then put it back in only to find that in a few months you have water in the oil. Will you save enough to justify taking it back out and repairing it all over again?
Just a thought
P.S. keep us informed if you go that way and it works.
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| Name: |
CAT BOAT
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| Subject: |
Question 4 CAT or Engine Savy
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Date:
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1/31/2009 10:59:30 AM
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"the only visible crack" is the key here. Be careful. You may create more work down the road. You did not mention what engine it is. McKay made a good point about water in the oil as well. Let me know what engine you have, (small block, big block or something to go on). I may have something here for you. Remember also, water pressure inside a marine engine, depending on what you have for set up can reach 25-35psi. A normal car engine will have 14-16, depending on what radiator cap is on it. I'll be working in the shop today... Why don't you take a minute and call me. 334.358.2838 and I'll help you.
Steve
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| Name: |
Tate AU
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| Subject: |
Question 4 CAT or Engine Savy
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Date:
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2/1/2009 9:33:11 AM
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Thanks for all the input. I didn't check the forum until this morning (Sunday) otherwise I would have called yesterday. The engine is a Mercruiser 4.3l V6 Longblock (Went for a gas saver this time)that only has 200 hours on it. It is in great shape other than the last owner neglected to open the drain plugs. I would love to find a good block that I could swap out, actually I would feel much better about it but I have had difficulty finding one. Again thanks for the info.
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| Name: |
CAT BOAT
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| Subject: |
Question 4 CAT or Engine Savy
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Date:
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2/1/2009 11:17:34 AM
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I will be here today as well. If you check the forum please call.
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| Name: |
CAT BOAT
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| Subject: |
Question 4 CAT or Engine Savy
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Date:
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2/1/2009 11:50:14 AM
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If I don't answer, leave a message wid yo' numma and I'll call ya back. ;) 334.358.2838
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| Name: |
houseboat
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| Subject: |
Question 4 CAT or Engine Savy
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Date:
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2/2/2009 1:43:19 PM
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I am not a mechanic, I try to stick to boat repair only, but I have been running a 6 cylinder chev. Mercruiser in my houseboat with a cracked block for about 15 years without a problem. I have not heard anyone mention whether the crack was on the external wall of the water jacket or the internal wall. I would suppose that it is an external wall or we would not even need to discuss it since the block would be scrap. Mine probably has some kind of epoxy like someone already mentioned. V6's may be different but cracks in straight 6 cyl. are common. Just thought I would put my 2 cents in.
Oh, if anyone knows someone local that is familiar with marine v-drive and transmissions let me know. Thanks
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| Name: |
Tate AU
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| Subject: |
Question 4 CAT or Engine Savy
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Date:
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2/2/2009 7:21:34 PM
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Thanks for all the help CAT I really appreciate the advice you gave me on the phone. I'll be coming to see you as soon as I get some down time from work.
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| Name: |
CAT BOAT
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| Subject: |
Question 4 CAT or Engine Savy
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Date:
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2/2/2009 11:40:18 PM
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Glad to talk with you. All will turn out OK. I want to come and boat with you on the Tenn. River.
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