Can you weld a cracked block?

[jonneythompson]

Forgive me but this is my first post on this board. Also my first boat (almost purchased) Let me explain, I am in the process of buying an 1988 18' Rinker w/Mercruiser 4.3L I/O from a mechanic for $3000 w/tandum axle trailor. Someone brought it in for engine work and never picked it up. <br /><br />I was going to winterize the engine and drive, when I noticed that there is what I believe to be a crack by the freeze or soft plug on the right side, and both of the exhaust manifolds are cracked (The things on the left and right side of the engine with the large tubes connected to them. <br /><br />Apparently the engine was just rebuilt. I don't believe we have had a hard freeze yet. <br /><br />My question is can a cracked block and the two exhaust manifolds be repaired by welding? Or do the block and exhaust maifolds have to be replaced? Everything on the boat seems to be in great shape, I just want to be sure it's worth $3000 for the boat.<br /><br />Any information greatly appreciated.

 

[12Footer]

Re: Can you weld a cracked block?

I'm afraid it's not going to be a cheap weld. The manifolds should be replaced. A good welder can weld the block, but probably will not gaurantee it.<br />The price is somewhat high for it's condition. I would keep looking for a better deal.

 

[hondon]

Re: Can you weld a cracked block?

When you say almost purchased ,that means that you still have time to hear and watch this engine and drive work.If this dealer did just rebuild this engine ,he would protect his investment in parts and guard against freeze damage.Any external leaks when it is running?Any water in the oil?How doe's she work on the water?There are alot of little casting flaws on both manis and block that can look like cracks.Bottom line is try this thing out and get some kind of useability agreement with the seller.

 

[jonneythompson]

Re: Can you weld a cracked block?

Being a 1st time boat owner, It seems that on most older boats 10 percent of the things work. On this particular boat the radio, guages, and engine fire right up. I can't imagine spending $3K on a boat and trailer to get something newer. I guess I could probably get the thing for $2.5 How much would it cost to replace the block with existing components? <br /><br />Any 411 appreciated!

 

[jonneythompson]

Re: Can you weld a cracked block?

No I have not fully purchased the boat. It was rebuilt by a mechanic, not dealer. I have run it with the flushing tool hooked up, and it fired right up and seemed to run it forward and reverse without any problems. The main problem is the mechanic has to go through legal steps to claim ownership of the boat and trailer. I am sure that he would agree to waiting on the rest of the money until I am sure the thing runs. To date I have only paid $2000 for the boat + trailer. I can't imagine at even 3K it would be a bad deal. It seems on NADA the boat runs from 4K-5K. Now that is providing a good working engine. He is going to talk to the buy who did the motor on Monday. If this boat run great, and needs to have the block welded is it not worth $3K?? Now I am worried that the boat isn't worth the what I seem to think is a reasonable price. I haven't noticed any boats priced around that year in the paper here in Denver. I guess if I am off base let me know. I can always re-negotiate the price I suppose. If he replaces the exhaust manifolds, and welds the block is it worth $3K???

 

[oar master]

Re: Can you weld a cracked block?

a reman. engine for that boat is going to run u at least $2000. not to mention the manifolds anther $700.-800. i wouldn't trust a welded block. why buy a boat with all these problems? it's a buyer's market, look around for something better.

 

[ODDD1]

Re: Can you weld a cracked block?

jeepinjon....if you still have the ability to get out of this deal, GET OUT NOW!...NO money should pass to the seller unless he can show clean paper [ownership] of the boat, no ifs ands or buts......welding on a cast iron block is usually not an option for freeze damage...the internal damage to the block is unseen and unrepaired...the 4.3's usually crack across the lifter galleys first, then the main bearing web/outside of block....replacement is your only sure investment, same with the manifolds.....<br />I dont know about you, but when I buy something I want to put my trust [or a little of it anyway] in the person I am giving my money to....this 'mechanic' is trying to sell something he doesnt really own, and it is damaged after major repairs...all smells to high hell......

 

[Rex]

Re: Can you weld a cracked block?

If the engine is bad it going to cost you<br />$3000.00 and more.<br />Sell the boat to somebody and get your money<br />back.<br />Yes you can weld it but I do not beleive that<br />it.<br />Rex

 

[12Footer]

Re: Can you weld a cracked block?

Amen,bro

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: Can you weld a cracked block?

Change out the exh. manifolds, JB weld up the cracks on the block and give it a go.<br /> Good Luck

 

[Fouled Plug]

Re: Can you weld a cracked block?

Walk away from this one. It sounds like too much of a project for the price. If the mechanic rebuilt a defective block and re-used bad manifolds, who knows what else is "fixed" on that tub. For $3000 you shouldn't have to JB Weld it to make it work. Keep looking, there's a lot of good boats out there for the money.

 

[oar master]

Re: Can you weld a cracked block?

i forgot to mention the exhaust risers also,& they ain't cheap. forget the jb weld. sounds like that mechanic is just trying to unload that boat on u. tell him to find another sucker.

 

[Rex]

Re: Can you weld a cracked block?

I would give you $1500.00 for it.<br />It going to take so much time to fix it right<br />Rex.

 

[jonneythompson]

Re: Can you weld a cracked block?

Thanks everyone for you opinions, this seems to be a great message forum for boating questions. As it stands the engine needs new exhaust manifolds, and the engine needs a new block. I am waiting to see if the guy is willing to fix it. If not then I am going to get the money back and return the boat.<br /><br />Thanks again

 

[BayStLouis]

Re: Can you weld a cracked block?

I thought I'd add a comment about the JB Weld. While it's extremely handy to have in the toolbox, it's not quite up to this sort of repair. However, there are epoxies and putties that hold up very well under high heat conditions.<br /><br />Check out "Pyro-Putty" and "Pyro-Weld" by Aremco Products, Inc. of Ossining, NY. I believe their website is: http://www.aremco.com for those of you who might have a use for such products.<br /><br />It's not the ideal repair, but these high-temp products are pretty amazing.<br /><br />FWIW, I would be a bit suspicious of the mechanic/seller if that block is cracked. IF the engine was ever rebuilt, they certainly should've spotted that little problem. It's not as though replacement 4.3 blocks are hard to find.