Engine block problems. HELP!!!

[Anonymous]

Picked up a 215 to make my '52 Panel stock. Went to L.A. on Friday to pick it up.

Got it unloaded...

...and cleaned yesterday. Surprised to see some of the original paint still present.

The engine has been rebuilt once (tag still in place) and bored out to .010". The engine looks ok, except for the broken bellhousing. I knew this from the beginning. Didn't think that it was going to be a problem as I should have a few bellhousings laying around.

However, when I took the bellhousing off, I found that two bolt mounting connections on the block are cracked.

Is this going to be a huge problem now? Did I waste my time and money on this? Do I need the upper bolt connection? I think that the lower bolt connection area could be drilled all the way through in order to use a longer bolt. Can these areas be repaired? Pros/cons??

I am in need of help, desperately, as these engines are very hard to find (because they get scrapped), and it took me some time to find this one.

What can/should I do?????

Thanks, Ilya

 

[addo]

My concern is whatever broke them, could have damaged the crank at the same time. It's a fair hit. Pull the crank and check that for trueness, then see how you feel. I think it's fixable but you'll be spending a few dollars.

Regards, Adam.

 

[Fred]

I would want another block. That one might work ok, but there is too much involved with rebuilding and installing a motor to use a questionable block. You should be able to drill and tap the lower location and use a stud, but unless you can drill and tap a new upper hole (maybe half way between the old one and the dowel pin?) and a corresponding hole in your bell housing, I wouldn't rebuild it. Too bad you don't live in Texas, I think I can find one around here.

Are you a member of the Early Ford V8 Club? If not, check with the chapters in your area. Some member is bound to have a '52 or '53 parts car with a six in it. Ignore this advise if this is how you already got your motor and you don't know of another one. I think a rebuildable 215 shortblock should run no more than $200.

 

[Anonymous]

I think a rebuildable 215 shortblock should run no more than $200.

This one cost me $100 plus $100 in gas and a days worth of driving.

Ilya

 

[MustangSix]

This is actually one of those repairs that welding can fix well. Since it's open ended, i.e. only weld on one side of the repair, the stresses are lower.

clean well, preheat, and slowly build up with a nickel rod, then file, drill and tap. It should be just fine. If it ends up being a little off, it doesn't matter because the dowels will locate the bell anyway.

A bit more work to bring this engine back to life, but not that much and not that hard to do with a little patience.

 

[Anonymous]

I've called around a few machine shops today. I talked to a recommended old timer who said that he can mostly do the repair without any problems. He just needs to see the block.

I am going to disassemble it this weekend and take it to him next week.

Will post once I get an answer from him.

Thanks, Ilya