Water Leak is MASSIVE Problem.
Thread Starter
2nd Gear Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 404
From: SFV, Calif.
Water Leak is MASSIVE Problem.
I had a dripping leak that just got worse. right next to the water pump, replaced the gasket. The leak was still there and water was around the thermostat housing, so I went ahead and replaced that gasket too. Still had the leak. Decided I would re-do the water pump gasket since that is where the most fluid appeared to be leaking from. Thought I had messed it up. When I got it off, I started scraping the old gasket material off. The scraper kept getting caught up. Grabbed the inspection mirror and found a crack in the block! Starts right at the water pump socket, and looks like it is a microscopic hairline crack around the side of the block. About 1 1/2 inches long (who knows!). Can't really see it unless you are really looking for it specifically!
So what are my options? Can it be welded/repaired? A new/rebuilt block? or even a new/rebuilt motor? The reason I am thinking a new motor is because of the labor costs. This is way beyond my skill level and I thought maybe it would be quicker/cheaper to swap out the motor rather than pay a mechanic to swap all my parts to a new block.
Changing the gasket last time made the leak worse, so putting in another gasket for now will probably make it even worse.
Any advice is appreciated. I am not willing to give up on this old machine!
So what are my options? Can it be welded/repaired? A new/rebuilt block? or even a new/rebuilt motor? The reason I am thinking a new motor is because of the labor costs. This is way beyond my skill level and I thought maybe it would be quicker/cheaper to swap out the motor rather than pay a mechanic to swap all my parts to a new block.
Changing the gasket last time made the leak worse, so putting in another gasket for now will probably make it even worse.
Any advice is appreciated. I am not willing to give up on this old machine!
5th Gear Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,243
From: PA
Try JB weld. It is labeled right on the package as saving a guys cracked engine block saving him thousands of $$$.
It is worth a shot. If it doesn't work go with other options. Try the cheaper ones first.
Lynn
It is worth a shot. If it doesn't work go with other options. Try the cheaper ones first.
Lynn
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 475
From: Nebraska
You can do the temp JB weld repair and as long as the crack doesnt spread it might hold for a few years. Just remember to clean the surface with a non-residue cleaner and lint free cloth.
If you want to keep the same motor for restoration reasons then you can find a shop that can mold the spot and it will be good as new but this can get pricey. If its a small crack its possible to have it drilled and plugged.
The 170 had low production numbers so finding a direct replacement can be slightly tricky from reman companies. A rebuilder could find you a good block and have you running for 1200.
The cheapest option would be to buy a good running used 200ci for a couple hundred bucks and swap it in.
If you want to keep the same motor for restoration reasons then you can find a shop that can mold the spot and it will be good as new but this can get pricey. If its a small crack its possible to have it drilled and plugged.
The 170 had low production numbers so finding a direct replacement can be slightly tricky from reman companies. A rebuilder could find you a good block and have you running for 1200.
The cheapest option would be to buy a good running used 200ci for a couple hundred bucks and swap it in.
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