Crack in my Block

[99Zee28]

I just had 2 of my heater core lines replaced cause they were rusted and leaking. My buddy has a shop and his mechanic was doing the work so I trust him. Anyways, while taking off one of the lines that runs by the starter he had noticed a small crack in my block. It was about half an inch long and the width of a hair. I have a 90 Eldorado with the 4.5 and 117,000 miles on it. Here's my dilema and question. Is a crack that small anything to worry about? I know there's a lot of variables but do you think something like that would immediately blow the engine or could I drive another 50,000 miles before anything happens? Also, I had just bought a new car so I can just store this for a while, it won't be driven everyday, so it won't be getting much abuse. Also, this car is in impecable shape! No rust, no dents, no scratches, glossy paint etc. I had also just put a new trans into it about 3,000 miles ago so the trans will last a while. Should I worry about the crack? Should I sell the car? What do you think I could get for it? Should I keep it and replace the engine??? What's a new engine with labor? $4-5,000?

Words of wisdom and advice needed!!!

Thank You!

Dave

[codewize]

A 4.5 won't cost you anywhere near that much. The engines probably $1200 and I can't see the labor being more than $1500

If thee block is cracked you may be able to repair it if it's that small. My 4.5 has 225k on it and still runs fine so it might be worth repairing.

I suppose it depends on where the crack is and is it worse on the inside.

[HUF]

Originally Posted by 99Zee28

I just had 2 of my heater core lines replaced cause they were rusted and leaking. My buddy has a shop and his mechanic was doing the work so I trust him. Anyways, while taking off one of the lines that runs by the starter he had noticed a small crack in my block. It was about half an inch long and the width of a hair. I have a 90 Eldorado with the 4.5 and 117,000 miles on it. Here's my dilema and question. Is a crack that small anything to worry about? I know there's a lot of variables but do you think something like that would immediately blow the engine or could I drive another 50,000 miles before anything happens? Also, I had just bought a new car so I can just store this for a while, it won't be driven everyday, so it won't be getting much abuse. Also, this car is in impecable shape! No rust, no dents, no scratches, glossy paint etc. I had also just put a new trans into it about 3,000 miles ago so the trans will last a while. Should I worry about the crack? Should I sell the car? What do you think I could get for it? Should I keep it and replace the engine??? What's a new engine with labor? $4-5,000?

Words of wisdom and advice needed!!!

Thank You!

Dave

GM supplement (bars leaks) should take care of tiny cracks. Did you add it to the coolant.

[99Zee28]

The crack is under the starter. Bars Leak was added too!!! I'm just wondering if it's going to get bigger fast or if I could drive with it for a while or years without anything happening.

Where can I get a engine for $1200? Is that a used one or new? With heads?


Dave

[HUF]

Just watch the coolant level when engine is cold for a while. Make a decision based on the change if any.

[codewize]

I can't find the exact application right now but keep checking with these guys

http://www.cadillac-automotive-parts.com/

Also call Parts America, AutoZone, Etc.

See I just looked again and here it is
http://shop.cadillac-automotive-part...nes-x_110.html

[illumina]

As long as you keep the coolant supplement in the engine and make sure the car doesn't overheat, my guess is that the crack will be fine, as it's likely a surface crack. Now if you had a crack in the cylinder sleeves, you have every right to worry, but for the crack on the outer block, just watch for water leaks and overheating. My bet is that you'll be alright...

[Cad tech]

Very common on 4.5 and 4.9....Also with 4.6.....here is the fix clean up the crack with rolac scotch brite try to grove it a just a tad and then brake clean....jb weld it then let it dry up good, then scuff it up again, brake clean then add one more layer of jbweld....have done this repair to many times on the 4.5 and 4.9 always works....not on 4.6 though they spread...

[The Ape Man]

Maybe find a lower pressure radiator or reserve tank cap while you are gluing.

[Cad tech]

or dump all the coolant???

[paperflask]

Originally Posted by Cad tech

Very common on 4.5 and 4.9....Also with 4.6.....here is the fix clean up the crack with rolac scotch brite try to grove it a just a tad and then brake clean....jb weld it then let it dry up good, then scuff it up again, brake clean then add one more layer of jbweld....have done this repair to many times on the 4.5 and 4.9 always works....not on 4.6 though they spread...

Any advice on the 4.6?

[79malibuonblocks]

Originally Posted by 99Zee28

I just had 2 of my heater core lines replaced cause they were rusted and leaking. My buddy has a shop and his mechanic was doing the work so I trust him. Anyways, while taking off one of the lines that runs by the starter he had noticed a small crack in my block. It was about half an inch long and the width of a hair. I have a 90 Eldorado with the 4.5 and 117,000 miles on it. Here's my dilema and question. Is a crack that small anything to worry about? I know there's a lot of variables but do you think something like that would immediately blow the engine or could I drive another 50,000 miles before anything happens? Also, I had just bought a new car so I can just store this for a while, it won't be driven everyday, so it won't be getting much abuse. Also, this car is in impecable shape! No rust, no dents, no scratches, glossy paint etc. I had also just put a new trans into it about 3,000 miles ago so the trans will last a while. Should I worry about the crack? Should I sell the car? What do you think I could get for it? Should I keep it and replace the engine??? What's a new engine with labor? $4-5,000?

Words of wisdom and advice needed!!!

Thank You!

Dave

I have a 355 i had built to the hilt, 400+ horsepower, noticed a crack in the block between #5 and #7 clyinder....leaking coolant, I cleaned that bastard up and jb welded it......no problems so far!