Crap, I have a cracked block
 

In my original post weeks ago:

http://groups.google.com/group/rec.a...2925886f8c5e38

I was experiencing coolant loss and overheating, well I took the
exhaust header off this week-end and found a cracked block. I could see
the fluid oozing from the block.

I was wondering about my options thinking they are ( in order of cost,
high to low ):
a) buy new engine and install self
b) pull engine self, have it rebuilt with new block, install self
c) get used engine, install self

Anyone know of some other options I may have?

Mike

Crap, I have a cracked block
 

"mike" > wrote in message
oups.com...

> I was wondering about my options thinking they are ( in order of cost,
> high to low ):
> a) buy new engine and install self
> b) pull engine self, have it rebuilt with new block, install self
> c) get used engine, install self
>
> Anyone know of some other options I may have?
>
> Mike

I believe c) is probably the least expensive and quickest to implement, if
you
can find a good donor engine.

a) would be expensive if you really buy a NEW engine, and if you buy a
remanufactured one, you often dont know what sort of quality you are
getting.

b) doesn\t sound like a good way to go.

Crap, I have a cracked block
 

On 5 Jun 2006 08:26:18 -0700, "mike" > wrote:

>In my original post weeks ago:
>
>http://groups.google.com/group/rec.a...2925886f8c5e38
>
>I was experiencing coolant loss and overheating, well I took the
>exhaust header off this week-end and found a cracked block. I could see
>the fluid oozing from the block.
>
>I was wondering about my options thinking they are ( in order of cost,
>high to low ):
>a) buy new engine and install self
>b) pull engine self, have it rebuilt with new block, install self
>c) get used engine, install self
>
>Anyone know of some other options I may have?
>
>Mike

To myself, it is an issue of money. I can take a taxi cab for a few
days while changing out an engine. Look at the bottom line...which is
going to save you the most money.

Having a 3.0 liter 2V U code with OHV and SEFI, I can get one of those
out of just about =any= Taurus of vintage 2003 and change it out, en
masse. And use the original engine for *spare parts.* Preferably
from a car that was rear-ended.

I've never done an engine swap before, but I never let little
technicalities like that stand in my way.

The problem is getting the *new* engine on site, so I can do something
with it. I can rent an engine hoist from somewhere, but again we get
into -how- to transport such a beast to my Car Barn.

So take out your calculator and run the numbers in a spreadsheet for
all your a,b,c, scenarios and see which gives you the best results for
the least labor/money.

Myself, I would just have an engine sans transmission pulled from a
junkyard Taurus and have it trucked to my house and left in my
driveway. That should cost me about $700 for the engine, and maybe
$100 for the transport.

3 days of cussing and knuckle scrapes later, she should have another
engine in her. Remember, I'm a NOVICE and don't do this for a living,
so I would be going slow and easy.

If you can get a better deal some other way...go for it.

Lg

Crap, I have a cracked block
 

mike wrote:
> In my original post weeks ago:
>
> http://groups.google.com/group/rec.a...2925886f8c5e38
>
> I was experiencing coolant loss and overheating, well I took the
> exhaust header off this week-end and found a cracked block. I could see
> the fluid oozing from the block.
>
> I was wondering about my options thinking they are ( in order of cost,
> high to low ):

> a) buy new engine and install self

Very expensive. Consider buying another used car instead.


> b) pull engine self, have it rebuilt with new block, install self

Somewhat less expensive than a, but the head and other components
should also be done. I'm gonna guess the cost the cost of a
replacement used car will still be a reasonable alternative.

> c) get used engine, install self

The least expensive option, but the one most filled with unknowns. You
will have to find a good boneyard motor and hope it doesn't have
problems. Or buy a donor car for cheap. If you find a good donor car,
just keep the car and junk the one with the cracked block.

>
> Anyone know of some other options I may have?

The only way to save some money rebuilding a 13 year old car is to do
much of the disassembly and reassembly yourself. Remember you are
talking about a replacement car with a value of maybe $2,500.

>
> Mike

Crap, I have a cracked block
 

"mike" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> In my original post weeks ago:
>
>
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.a...2925886f8c5e38
>
> I was experiencing coolant loss and overheating, well I took the
> exhaust header off this week-end and found a cracked block. I could see
> the fluid oozing from the block.
>
> I was wondering about my options thinking they are ( in order of cost,
> high to low ):
> a) buy new engine and install self
> b) pull engine self, have it rebuilt with new block, install self
> c) get used engine, install self
>
> Anyone know of some other options I may have?
>
> Mike
>

At least make sure it is not just a freeze plug or the head gasket that is
leaking before you condemn the engine block. It is very unusual for a block
to just crack unless it was exposed to a hard freeze without any antifreeze
in the cooling system. Leaks can be deceiving. Try some UV dye and recheck
with a black light to be sure of the source.
--
Kevin Mouton
Automotive Technology Instructor
"If women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy"
Red Green

Crap, I have a cracked block
 

> >
>
> At least make sure it is not just a freeze plug or the head gasket that is
> leaking before you condemn the engine block. It is very unusual for a block
> to just crack unless it was exposed to a hard freeze without any antifreeze
> in the cooling system. Leaks can be deceiving. Try some UV dye and recheck
> with a black light to be sure of the source.

Since I was having trouble with finding the source of the leak I had
put some dye in the radiator and driven it for awhile. No mistaking it,
there is a crack.

I guess I'll remove the tranny and engine and try to find another one
somewhere.

> --
> Kevin Mouton
> Automotive Technology Instructor
> "If women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy"
> Red Green

Crap, I have a cracked block
 

How about welding the current block?

--
Steve W.

"mike" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> > >
> >
> > At least make sure it is not just a freeze plug or the head gasket
that is
> > leaking before you condemn the engine block. It is very unusual for
a block
> > to just crack unless it was exposed to a hard freeze without any
antifreeze
> > in the cooling system. Leaks can be deceiving. Try some UV dye and
recheck
> > with a black light to be sure of the source.
>
> Since I was having trouble with finding the source of the leak I had
> put some dye in the radiator and driven it for awhile. No mistaking
it,
> there is a crack.
>
> I guess I'll remove the tranny and engine and try to find another one
> somewhere.
>
> > --
> > Kevin Mouton
> > Automotive Technology Instructor
> > "If women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you
handy"
> > Red Green
>



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