Cracked block

[wakeboardin2k4]

So I bought a 95 f350 PSD with 89000 miles two weeks ago.

Long story short I broke down on the highway 20 miles from home with a freeze out plug missing behind the starter on the block. I noticed it looked a little sketchy but I put the new freeze plug in anyway and filled it back up with coolant anyway. I see coolant still dripping down. Well there's two small cracks on each side of the freeze out plug.

The previous owner covered up the issue with JB weld and the freeze out plug itself is behind the starter so I couldn't see it when I was inspecting the truck.

The plan is to attempt welding the cracks. The contracting company I work has an expert welder who has done work for aeronautical companies doing some very small and intricate welding. He is very familiar with working with cast iron.

Opinions on the success rate of this project?

[Jarrod B]

50/50 chance. theres a method for dodges that works that might work on fords too.

[7.34ever]

is it cracked to the freeze plug hole? if so, just make sure it's ground and welded throught the edge of the freeze plug hole to the inside and it should be fine. i say go for it man. you can't go wrong tryin it if someone gonna do it for ya cheap.... or free

[wakeboardin2k4]

Ive heard that brazing is a process they used to do on motors back in the day.

[wakeboardin2k4]

The cracks don't connect to the freeze out plugs as far as I can remember. I'll take a better look at it Monday when I go back to the shop. I was so infuriated with the situation today I left pretty shortly after figuring it out

[7.34ever]

there's a spray on product you apply and let soak for like ten then wipe it off and spary a powder on that'll soak up the dyed stuff and show the crack. can't remember what it's called dam it!

brazing is the only way to go with cast iron unless the welder is very good with stainless

[CHUCK]

cast is not impossible to weld, but it aint easy....but if the block is already cracked...what the HE((.

[CHUCK]

On a side note....whaere ya located....I got a used long block that I'd get rid of pretty cheap.....

[wakeboardin2k4]

New Jersey. How many miles on the long block? Whether the welding works or not I'll keep it in mind because if a crack happened on this part of the block, where else did it happen or is ready to happen.

How many miles on the LB?

[CHUCK]

200k

I'm in NC......