Weld A Block?

[MollEclipse]

Im looking into a 91 gsx and the only problem is where the rear trany bolt goes through the block a huge piece is busted off. i dont know if you can weld it back on or would it be easyer to replace the block? the car has 97000 on it and the guy wants $1000 for it sounds like a good deal. besides the block.

 

[silver bullit]

Check the whole car out.

 

[spinz4]

I would replace the block but I have seen some people weld em up. Havent heard of any of their blocks re-breaking...

Still would get a new block though....

 

[MyÜberFastGSX]

It's never a good idea to weld a block, plus if that piece is busted off who knows what else is wrong with it.

You can find a block at a junk yard for under $400. Just have it pressure tested, and flex tested for cracks.

 

[MollEclipse]

whats flex tested?

 

[Low Impedance]

ive had a piece breakoff on one of my rotary engines. It doesnt nessacerily mean that the rest of the car is junk, but i would still look it over like you should anyway. Welding it on really wont hurt anything. But its not THAT easy to weld. You need someone who knows what they are doing to weld cast iron.

 

[1gcrazy]

whats flex tested?

Its a process for easily identifying cracks by the machinist.

 

[MollEclipse]

how much does that cost to get done?

 

[1gcrazy]

Good question...

 

[boostcrazyawd]

it seems that it would be fine if welded correctly, cast iron can be very tricky to weld and make it strong. a good welding shop would be able to do it

 

[c4uldr0n]

cast is very tricky to weld, but it doesn't mean you can't... me and my buddy had to fix up a engine and transmission which both had some serious damage them. Clean it up perfect, make sure you use the proper welding techniques and material and it'll work out fine... on a side note, I wouldn't weld a head! haha

 

[SnowBird]

My block is cracked in the same spot, the piece broke off and I had it welded, the weld was sloppy so I cleaned it up with a grninder/sander. Its an AWD and was ran on 22 PSI for a hell of a long time and its still perfect, if that eases your nerves at all, I say go for it.

 

[MollEclipse]

i think that i might i have a mig welder and i pretty good skill with it so maybe ill try it.

 

[MollEclipse]

*tig*

 

[Low Impedance]

arc...

 

[adiffrentcity]

*tig*

there is a good article on this in the tech section.

 

[Gruppe-S1]

Welding the block is always a bad idea, especially on cast iron and aluminum blocks. The reason is that the act of welding actually "heat treats" portions of the block so that it ends up changing both the hardness and strength in that area of the block. It's these differences that usually causes failures. That said, if it's a non critical / non loading area of the block you may be able to get away with it - just make sure you get an experienced welder with good equipment.

Cheers,

Gary
Gruppe-S

 

[boostcrazyawd]

u could arc it but it will have to be preheated and use a nickel alloy rod and also it requires post heating to avoid cracking. u could use a mig but it wont be the strongest tig or arc would be my choice

 

[VelocitàPaola]

whats flex tested?

I believe he's referring to a "magnaflux" test, which shouldn't run more than $50 or so. It's basically a way for the machinist to identify flaws (i.e. cracks, holes) in the block that might not be otherwise noticeable.

As for welding the block... you could go either direction for the price of this car. While it may cost you $100 to weld the block, it could very well cost you much more if it fails again. However, you could also weld it and have the whole thing hold up for a very long time. Or, since the car is so cheap, you can just pick up a new block like everyone else seems to be suggesting.

 

[MollEclipse]

Well ill have pictures coming up tomorrow after i go and look at the car. So you guys can see if it is worth welding.

 

[MyÜberFastGSX]

Ok, sweet. Keep us posted.

 

[snox135]

u could arc it but it will have to be preheated and use a nickel alloy rod and also it requires post heating to avoid cracking.

This method has always giving me the best results.

 

[MollEclipse]

This method has always giving me the best results.[/QUOTE


Did you do it your self or have it done professionally. I have heard that arc welding is the hardest to do.

 

[MollEclipse]

This is not the block from the car i bought. I found this pic in the classifieds. Sorry for whos ever it is but it made a good pic to show you guys where mine is busted at. I guess i might have helped you sell your block though. Thanks. But if you look at the arrow in the bottom corner, that bolt hole is broken. Could i weld that and maybe make a brace to hold the transmission and engine together too? Other than that i bought the car for $1095. I guess it aint bad. No body rust, 96000 on the ticker and a new clutch. Ill have tuesday. Cant wait my first AWD!

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[eldiabloz13]

Weld it. Keep in mind the code of welders is.....Your product should break some where else, and not at the weld. That is a truely good weld. So if someone welds it and is good at it. You will have to worry about other things before that weld cracking.