Cylinder block welding

[ianselva]

A non Morris question . I am rebuilding a 1959 Fiat engined Formula Junior Racing car and the engine block has succombed to the frost and cracked badly halfway down the water jacket. A new one is too expensive to think about and second hand like hens teeth. Does anyone know / have experience of welding or stiching a crack ?

[tuning72]

Hi
We had this problem on race cars. I suppose some were on their limit. I remember we drilled & tapped the end of the split and put in grub screws.This was to stop any further split. Then it was "Cold" welded always successfully. BUT thats where my memory fails! HOW.. I feel sure a good eng. works would know.Meanwhile I will ask around.......Ivor

[tuning72]

Hi
Done a little thinking!
Very IMPORTANT- is it Aliminium or Cast Iron?
There is a difference in behavour.
Pre heating is essential. Now I suggest you contact a Specialised Welder. It would take forever to explain and thats where you would be going anyway? Both are possible to weld one easier than other.I suspect you have an Ali.block(lighter)and liners?
I can go back to an MG J2,1932 car in 1946(before Anti-freeze!) that we(I was apprenticed) welded in a home made forge(coke and an air line stuck up the middle?). That was fine..Memories..Ivor

[ianselva]

I have found a firm in Coalville ( HP Cast Iron Welding) who will weld it ( gusaranteed for 12 months ), but may distort the bore and I cannot go oversize , or will pin the carck , guaranteed for 6 months without distortion for £350

[tuning72]

Hi
My Memory?
Once in an emergency(there always is racing!)
I drilled and tapped ends,plugged, then used fibre wool mat with resin to seal! Ground out a little groove along the crack and the surface 1/2"each side first.
It lasted two years of racing!
Just a thought.......Ivor
PS. Cost..£2.Car-1936 Riley 9 Special.

[ This Message was edited by: tuning72 on 15-03-2002 09:41 ][ This Message was edited by: tuning72 on 15-03-2002 09:46 ]