Can The Engine Block Be Welded?

[happypatrol 5]

For some time now my engine block has a small patch under the exhaust manifold where when the engine is running it will leak coolant. It is basically porous. Ive been trying for a while to source a suitable engine block to just replace it but this is now proving difficult.

 

Does anyone know if i had the engine removed and stripped if it will be possible to take it into an engineering shop and have some sort of repair carried out??? And if so what are the likelihood of it lasting and not being a waste of time. Its my intension to do a complete overhaul on the engine while its out anyway as I've no intention of selling this car and want to keep it as original as possible. Any advise appreciated.

 

thanks, David

[hcmini1989 16]

Would It not be easy to get an engine (complete) from some one breaking one and rebuild it .What engine is it ?.Do you know where abouts its leaking from i.e not a core plug or possible Headgasket as this is right below the exhaust manifold .

 

You would have to strip and inspect it but It would be far cheaper to get another engine if there is a possible crack in your block .

 

But to your original question can it be welded yes but unless its done right it would be a waste of time google it theres lots of cures for it other than welding but most are just bodges not guaranteed ,better to do it right and source another block

Edited January 4, 2015 by hcmini1989

[Sandy 191]

It is possible, but unless it's a historically significant or expensive block, replacement is preferable. With the best welders in the world on the case, the block will distort and will soften in the repair area, so it will lose machined surfaces and line bore precision and may not hold a gasket or liner seats well in future.

[allanallen 528 2 Cars]

If the ally (I'm guessing it's a standard gti engine) is pourus you will probably not be able to weld it. The best welder in the world can't weld to s*it, been there myself and tried it as a quick fix. I'm guessing(again) it's cracked on a very thin part in between the stud threads, it's thin when new never mind after 20+ years of coolant etc attacking it, as soon as the welder touches it you'll blow huge holes in it. Aluminium also requires a lot of heat to weld properly so as sandy says you may well end up distorting accurately machined parts of the block.

For the price of a good used block and a gasket set get it re-blocked or a replacement engine.

[happypatrol 5]

yes its the original 1,9 engine. One of the reasons for wanting repaired was to tryn keep the car original and not change out the block. But it looks like it may be less hassle to just replace it. That brings me to my next problem. Ive been trying of months to either get a block or another 1.9 engine. And engines are either 350 miles away or they're wanting way too much for what could be a block in the same condition its mine. Im dubious to buy anything from ebay for that very reason.

If anyone has an engine please let me know.

 

thanks for the advice.

[rob 0]

ive got a bottom end spare, 1.9 from a 405 i think, will double check it tomorow. had new shells and oil pump 2 years ago and done 3/4000 miles since.

in penrith cumbria, PM me if intrested