I have found a 53 block that is cracked, it only has 100k on the clock and was wondering if anyone has had any luck with brazing the crack and using the lock n stitch brace that renforces the block? I am looking to just get by with this until I can afford to rebuild my block. Which my take about a year.
I looked into the lock n stitch method and I get some good reports and mostly bad, thats why I just thought about brazing it.

 

Why can't you just use the normal process of welding cast? I was always told to make sure to preheat thoughly, and weld with nickle rod. Not sure if it would be applicable to trying to fix like this, but I remember something about drilling a small hole at the end of the crack, to help keep it from spreading?

 

Welding with nickel rod is a joke it does more damage then anything. The rod will crystallize the the cast and make more cracks than you started with. When you put the part back in operation it will break or in this case each time the block heats and expands makes more cracks because the metal is harder than the weld thus both break. Brazing is the only thing that works and that is only sometimes. The cast iron block in this case needs to be brought to 900 degrees repaired then held there for 8 hours and brought down slowly. Something my shop does'nt have.

 

dont know if you've seen this but heres a thread about the 53 block https://www.dieselbombers.com/dodge-...-53-block.html hope it helps

 

Yea I talked my self out of it. New short block ordered today.

 

how much did that set u back

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if u dont mind me asking

 

Just a little info...

Here is a cast iron welding write up from my personal stomping grounds - Lincoln Electric. If there is real interest or questions you can send me a PM and I could go discuss more with our welding school OR our methods engineering dept.

Guidelines for Welding Cast Iron

 

I was sure myself, only talked about it a little bit in Ag class in school, but I have never had to do cast myself.