440 Block Crack

grubby65 · Jun 5, 2016

I took a look at a 1968 440 block that was said to have been hot tanked and maga-fluxed. The owner said everything checked out fine and it was a standard bore. But, I found this crack in the lifter valley. The crack does not go all the way through, nor does it show up in the lifter bore. I offered the guy $40 for it, thinking it was worth the risk. Do you think the block is usable, fixable, or a boat anchor?

Plymouth63 · Jun 5, 2016

I think the block is fixable and usable.

dvw · Jun 5, 2016

Grind the broken piece off and go for it. Thats just a hole anyway.
Doug

Moparsmitty · Jun 5, 2016

Kinda funny that it cracked at that spot since there is very little stress there. I would also grind it off smooth and go with it. Also, while I'm at it, I would grind the casting flash off around the return holes. Makes you wonder if the casting flash might have started the crack.

cudadoug · Jun 5, 2016

If I could buy 10 like that for $40 each I would.

Grind it, smooth it, run it!

73HEMI_RR_GTX · Jun 13, 2016

I would drill a small hole for a 4-40 set screw at the end of the crack. Install a 4-40 set screw using JB epoxy on the threads and the crack. Will be good to go

Lets Roll · Jun 13, 2016

73HEMI_RR_GTX said:
I would drill a small hole for a 4-40 set screw at the end of the crack. Install a 4-40 set screw using JB epoxy on the threads and the crack. Will be good to go

I agree on the JB. That stuff can be incredibly strong. I glued a broken notched ring for anti lock sensor back on a CV joint with that stuff and its been on there 7 years! after all the hot, cold, moisture and oil etc..

Daves69 · Jun 13, 2016

IMO, $40 would be a steal for it!
What's it cost for hot tank, dry, Mag inspect, hot tank again, and rp these days?
If that's the only issue and I were the guy selling it, I know I'd pass on a $40 offer.
Incidentally, that "crack" should have shown up like a sore thumb if providing that area was even Magnaflux inspected.

493 Mike · Sep 21, 2016

My spare 440 developed an external crack in the water jacket ( I wonder how that happened!) so I ground the crack out and JB welded it at least 15 years ago. The motor was run probably 6 of those years in the summer time and everything has held up perfectly! I agree that JB is good stuff!
Mike

Homstead · Sep 21, 2016

That crack may have happened after the magnaflux. Maybe something dropped on it?

powermyster · Sep 22, 2016

Have you seen lock n stitch. Seems like a good system

Rick Carson · Sep 22, 2016

MY 68 RUNNER 383 HAD A CRACK FROM FIRST FROST PLUG TO THE NEXT ON DRIVERS SIDE,WAS #MATCH SO I GROUND IT INTO A V, AND PUT THE JB TO IT. DROVE 5 YRS THAT WAY AND NEVER A PROBLEM,SOLD IT THAT WAY,BUT TOLD THE GUY ABOUT IT THOUGH,THAT WAS 1994,STILL GOING.

kelly · Oct 2, 2016

my 440 had two cracks in #8 cylinder.

440 Block Crack

grubby65

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Plymouth63

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dvw

FBBO Gold Member

Moparsmitty

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cudadoug

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73HEMI_RR_GTX

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Lets Roll

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Daves69

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493 Mike

FBBO Gold Member

Homstead

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powermyster

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Rick Carson

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kelly

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