Mercruiser freeze crack - help!

[studionyc]

Hi everybody,

I also posted this on the Chaparrel Owner's Forum, sorry for duplication....
We purchased a 178 from early 80,s. Boat is a stunner (garaged and well cared for).
Engine is spanking clean, starts without hesitation, sounds very very good.
We launched her recently and other than gauges (oil, speed, trim) not working she was fine.
Local repair shop inspected ('seaworthy') and here it comes: massive lateral crack under deck of inline 6 [165 R, pre-Alpha0. This turns a great purchase into a great dilemma: what now?
Engine swap is $$$, I can't do it myself, no garage, no tools (and no clue ).

Since winter freeze seems to occur more often than not, any suggestions (JB Weld, THERIGHTSTUFF, Stich-N-Fix)?

I was quoted big bucks for a big block, that blows my budget. I just wanted to fix vinyl and maybe repair gauges. A new engine really makes this a much bigger project before we even go on the water.....

Any input is much appreciated,

Nick


PS: The original owner stated that he had a 2" crack patched (JB Weld) 10 years ago. This crack is now more like 8". Small amount of water runs down on outside of block (drip).

 

[guyjg]

http://www.locknstitch.com/Metal_Stitching.htm?gclid=CODfgpS1zaMCFWBd5QodNRo8ug

http://www.ihowd.com/how-to-repair-cracked-engine-blocks

 

[bertg]

Nick
You've seen how well JB weld worked for the previous owner. Myself, only a replacement block would satisfy me.
Bert

 

[hystat]

The inline 4 and 6 cylinder (GM) blocks have been successfully repaired as long as water is not getting into the oil. If there's water in the oil, the block is done.

If no water in oil, cleaning, removing all paint, sanding to bare metal, then drilling the ends of the cracks to relieve stress and filling with a mix of JB weld and fiberglass strands is often successful...

replacement engines are available

 

[pugetsounder]

The inline then drilling the ends of the cracks to relieve stress

Apparently the PO missed this step?