Resolved Is this 420A engine block toast

[mrathell]

This is the 420A engine block from my 1998 Eclipse GS with about 180k on it.

The car ran excellent. Didn’t smoke, didn’t overheat or burn much oil.

I pulled the engine to rebuild it because I’m restoring the car.

So I was surprised when I saw these cracks. There is a crack by rack sleev in the same spot. All on one side. None on the other side of the sleeves.

I wouldn’t stress because they are not between the oil and coolant channels but it is close the the sleeve. Also you can feel it when you run your fingers over them.

I’m guessing this could create a leak for coolant to get into the combustion chambers.

Given there are four of those cracks, I’m surprised there wasn’t a leak.

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[BLACK'98DSM]

That's interesting. I've never seen it like this. Perhaps the block froze up on a cold winter without enough antifreeze in the mixture. Unfortunately, and you'll hate to hear it, but I would NOT run the block. The risk is too high.

 

[mrathell]

That's interesting. I've never seen it like this. Perhaps the block froze up on a cold winter without enough antifreeze in the mixture. Unfortunately, and you'll hate to hear it, but I would NOT run the block. The risk is too high.

Agreed. I want to get another engine block but I can’t seem to find any. I thought the 420A engines were quite common.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

They were common 20 years ago. Try looking for the early Dodge Neon blocks if you're having trouble. They're the same.

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

I would source a different GOOD block. I haven't built a 420 but I wouldn't feel comfortable, with those problems, that my work would last. I am in a situation on a 4g63 build right now. It is on hold and I had to take it half back apart to fix my issue. Start fresh with good parts so everything works out.