reliable block repair?

[40cpe]

While removing the valves from this Merc engine my eyes on fell this repair to the corner of the block which is also 1/2 of the water pump bolt hole. I got this engine in my '40 when I bought it in 1985. The engine had driven from Chicago to Mississippi and I ran it a short time before I converted to a 302. This was pre-computer times (for me, anyway) and there was very little support for the flathead. I never saw any bad habits from the engine, so I want to freshen it up and run it again if this repair is deemed adequate.

any advice welcomed.

PS; Sorry about the upside down pictures

[V12Bill]

What kind of material was used to fill in the block? That particular area is not under stress or pressure. I would think that if it doesn't leak water, then don't kick that sleeping dog.

[40cpe]

I don't know what the material is, Bill. That is one reason I was hoping for someone familiar with repairing cast would chime in.

A magnet sticks to the repair with the same force it sticks to the block. The dull color is just how I found it, no rust on it.

[Kahuna]

I wouldn't hesitate to run it

[dumb person]

Maybe it is nickle?

[green50]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Could possibly be JB Weld "Steel Stick".

[flatjack9]

As others have said, run it and sleep easy.

[B-O-B]

It ran with no problem before you pulled so why worry now. If it ain't broke don't fix it. Just be sure you have the bolt snug. I at least give it a go.

[Fred A]

Originally Posted by 40cpe

A magnet sticks to the repair with the same force it sticks to the block. The dull color is just how I found it, no rust on it.

Sounds like nickel rod repair which is magnetic as is Iron. Good Luck: Fred A

[FordCustom]

I've got a couple of really old bicycle frames, and that looks like the stuff holding the frame together.

[G.M.]

Scrape it with a sharp knife and see if it's metal or plastic. As long as the thread is holding and it was tested in use don't worry about it. G.M.

[40cpe]

Originally Posted by G.M.

Scrape it with a sharp knife and see if it's metal or plastic. As long as the thread is holding and it was tested in use don't worry about it. G.M.

A sharp knife or a screwdriver won't scratch it.

Thanks to all for the votes of confidence. I'll continue on.

[G.M.]

I have welded quite a few old Ford blocks with ni-rod. The welds can be ground smooth and be hidden by the way it is painted. Use thick brush type paint pretty heavy. Leave it set up a little and take a short haired acid brush a stippled it and it looks just like the casting. G.M.

[rotorwrench]

There are several Ni rods available. It seems like the 55% Ni is harder to machine than the 99% but is more tolerant of phosphorus content and other impurities in the cast. It would be more magnetic than the 99% but is harder than the 99% too so is harder to grind off & machine.

[JWL]

Welding on the corner of that cast iron block is probably one of the easiest and safest welds to make when dealing with CI. Yes, that has the appearance of nickel filler rod. I agree with all others---- there is little risk and even if it is a sub-standard repair a proper repair can be made at any time.