The Ford Barn

glenn in camino · 03-24-2015, 07:53 PM

I have a B block that's cracked under one or two of the insert valve seats. Is there a permanent fix for this problem, or should I just get a boat and chain. I believe there's usually a fix for everything.

mshmodela · 03-24-2015, 08:20 PM

I recall seeing a video that I believe cracks around the valve seats is one of the worst areas for cracks. I'd wait to hear from an engine rebuild pro for sure....

Synchro909 · 03-24-2015, 08:24 PM

B engines are notorious for cracking in that area and it is made worse by putting valve inserts in. I NEVER put them in either an A or B engine. They are simply not needed and lead to the early demise of the block. Bad move, this was always going to happen once the inserts were put in.

Pete · 03-24-2015, 09:22 PM

It CAN be welded. Don't junk it.

Mike V. Florida · 03-24-2015, 10:42 PM

They can be "stitched". There was a post here a short while ago I believe that showed the repairs to an A block if several places. Was it from J&M in Mass?

I found it!!

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showpo...8&postcount=17

hardtimes · 03-25-2015, 01:43 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by glenn in camino

I have a B block that's cracked under one or two of the insert valve seats. Is there a permanent fix for this problem, or should I just get a boat and chain. I believe there's usually a fix for everything.

Hey glenn,
Yes, that type crack in those type areas can be fixed. Finding the right person with the right skills is the hardest part.

And, IMO, and experience, hardened valve seats can and should be put right back in after proper fix is made. Helps to prevent recurrence of cracks.

colin1928 · 03-25-2015, 02:39 AM

Hi Glenn
Cracks under the seat insert can be repaired but IMO these are among the hardest to repair inserts are a interference fit and if fitted to tight the repair can reopen to loose and the insert comes loose
BTW which way does the crack travel down into the port or up into the deck as that would change how you might go about the repair
Do not junk it and let us how you get on with it
Colin

J and M Machine · 03-25-2015, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glenn in camino

I have a B block that's cracked under one or two of the insert valve seats. Is there a permanent fix for this problem, or should I just get a boat and chain. I believe there's usually a fix for everything.

The only way this block would be a boat anchor is If you take it to the wrong machine shop and they weld it.

I have posted this picture a few times in the forum but it's worth reposting to save a valuable block.

It's a common occurence on Model A/B engines to crack in center exhaust seats due to heat.

Since you're in California I would find a machine shop capable of metal stitching. If not; a trip to Lock n Stitch in Turlock,CA would suffice for a reliable repair.
http://www.jandm-machine.com/metalStitching.html

mshmodela · 03-25-2015, 03:18 PM

J and M, impressive... given your experience, what might be an example of a crack that is beyond Lock and Stitch repair?

1929 · 03-25-2015, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mshmodela

J and M, impressive... given your experience, what might be an example of a crack that is beyond Lock and Stitch repair?

good question

J and M Machine · 03-25-2015, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1929

good question

A Block that is cut in half.

We can repair just about anything, it's just how much do you want to pay for repairs versus finding a better block; if there are any left in your area.?

Pete · 03-25-2015, 08:53 PM

"The only way this block would be a boat anchor is If you take it to the wrong machine shop and they weld it."

Ah yes, but you don't take welding job to a machine shop any more than you would have a carpenter do brain surgery on you.
A cast iron welding and repair shop is the place to go. Anything that is cast iron can be welded and put back to new condition or better.
Stitching is usually the best ECONOMICAL way to go for the problems described above.

Give me a couple years and you will see what can be done to a "B" block by cutting it 4 ways and welding it together to take a desmodromic head among other things.

hardtimes · 03-27-2015, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glenn in camino

I have a B block that's cracked under one or two of the insert valve seats. Is there a permanent fix for this problem, or should I just get a boat and chain. I believe there's usually a fix for everything.

Hey glenn,
Just had a thought

!
IF you do not want a B block with cracks, maybe you can work with an A block with no cracks..guaranteed ! I have a striped A block that I will not be using and you have a B block that you may not be using...see what I'm saying...win/win , eh

03-24-2015, 07:53 PM	#1
glenn in camino Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Camino, CA. Posts: 3,086	B block cracked I have a B block that's cracked under one or two of the insert valve seats. Is there a permanent fix for this problem, or should I just get a boat and chain. I believe there's usually a fix for everything.

03-24-2015, 08:20 PM	#2
mshmodela Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 2,763	Re: B block cracked I recall seeing a video that I believe cracks around the valve seats is one of the worst areas for cracks. I'd wait to hear from an engine rebuild pro for sure.... __________________ -Mike Late 31' Ford Model A Tudor, Miss Daisy I don't work on cars --I'm learning about my Model A. Cleveland, Ohio Last edited by mshmodela; 03-24-2015 at 08:28 PM.

03-24-2015, 08:24 PM	#3
Synchro909 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 7,496	Re: B block cracked B engines are notorious for cracking in that area and it is made worse by putting valve inserts in. I NEVER put them in either an A or B engine. They are simply not needed and lead to the early demise of the block. Bad move, this was always going to happen once the inserts were put in. __________________ I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.

03-24-2015, 09:22 PM	#4
Pete Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wa. Posts: 5,409	Re: B block cracked It CAN be welded. Don't junk it.

03-24-2015, 10:42 PM	#5
Mike V. Florida Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South Florida Posts: 14,054	Re: B block cracked They can be "stitched". There was a post here a short while ago I believe that showed the repairs to an A block if several places. Was it from J&M in Mass? I found it!! https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showpo...8&postcount=17 __________________ What's right about America is that although we have a mess of problems, we have great capacity - intellect and resources - to do some thing about them. - Henry Ford II Last edited by Mike V. Florida; 03-24-2015 at 10:51 PM.

03-25-2015, 02:39 AM	#7
colin1928 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Australa Melbourne Posts: 878	Re: B block cracked Hi Glenn Cracks under the seat insert can be repaired but IMO these are among the hardest to repair inserts are a interference fit and if fitted to tight the repair can reopen to loose and the insert comes loose BTW which way does the crack travel down into the port or up into the deck as that would change how you might go about the repair Do not junk it and let us how you get on with it Colin

03-25-2015, 03:18 PM	#9
mshmodela Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 2,763	Re: B block cracked J and M, impressive... given your experience, what might be an example of a crack that is beyond Lock and Stitch repair? __________________ -Mike Late 31' Ford Model A Tudor, Miss Daisy I don't work on cars --I'm learning about my Model A. Cleveland, Ohio

03-25-2015, 08:53 PM	#12
Pete Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wa. Posts: 5,409	Re: B block cracked "The only way this block would be a boat anchor is If you take it to the wrong machine shop and they weld it." Ah yes, but you don't take welding job to a machine shop any more than you would have a carpenter do brain surgery on you. A cast iron welding and repair shop is the place to go. Anything that is cast iron can be welded and put back to new condition or better. Stitching is usually the best ECONOMICAL way to go for the problems described above. Give me a couple years and you will see what can be done to a "B" block by cutting it 4 ways and welding it together to take a desmodromic head among other things.