Sometimes I just amaze myself, the goofiness side is what I am referring to. :yes: Let me ask you guys for some feedback on this. I thought I found something here at a local pick your own parts auto dismantlers. They got a 78 LT in which is pretty rare to find any 2nd gens in this area.:hurray: So as I was hustling to get as many parts as I could, I took the engine too. It's a 350 3970010 CHF code LM-1(2 bolt). I did my usual checks pull a valve cover(nasty oil but nothing broke or excessively loose), pulled water pump hoses and water was old but no signs of oil or rust, and dropped the pan looking for broken parts or negative signs in the oil. There was no water or metal shavings just nasty black oil. I get the motor home and hanging in the air and find what appears to be a crack in the block as pictured. :( I've always heard about cracked blocks but have never seen one personaly. Its about 1 inch long and the surrounding area is like it was steam cleaned from the leak of the crack and then surfaced rusted. My question for you guys do you think this is toast. I've heard of people welding on blocks and heads however whats the success rate so to speak. Do you think it would be worth saving or do you think I should return to get the $120.00 back. They are great people and will exchange for any engine or refund it. I was hoping to have a back up 010 since my Camaro drag car motor is built on one of these and my street Nova has one and I was under the impression that these were some of the best blocks. I appreciate any feedback. Thanks, Chuck <P>http://dwp.bigplanet.com/woodch/nss-folder/camarotrimtags/Crack%201.JPG
http://dwp.bigplanet.com/woodch/nss-folder/camarotrimtags/Crack%202.JPG<BR>
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I'd return it and hunt up another one!

That said, guys have successfully JBWelded cracks like that fine. They drill an 1/8" or so hole at each end of the crack to stop it from growing, clean it out/off real good and have at it w/ a big daub of JBW!!

And other guys have successfully welded them, but imho, it's a crap shoot if it doesn't crack further after cooling some place around it?? I'd haul her off to a GOOD Professional Welder and get his opinion on it.

Good luck w/ whatever you decide to do.

pdq67

I'd take it back and be done with it.

Or maybe they will sell it to you as scrap and you can play with it.

It looks like it should be pretty easy to weld. That's what I would do.

If the place will return or exchange with no problem I'd bring it back. Its not worth the hassle. You'll kick yourself later if you go through an expensive buildup and it blows up due to the stress failure.

welded block in your car is like a desease, they crack in other areas when you weld um if you don't have a huge oven to preheat and postheat properly . i weld stuff up and pour em up all the time for the racers . you would be much better off starting with a good piece.