got a block last spring for my mav, after removing the front cover i found a real heart break. it seems someone broke off a bolt. then someone tried to remove with an easy out that broke off. then it appears someone tried to drill all this out. two holes! one on each side of the block, and still all this mess is still wedged in. my question; is this block nothing more than a boat anchor or can it be saved? i called a local machine shop. they said they wold not touch it with out a complete rebuild. understand that because of metal shavings. since im unemployed it seems my options are nill to none. just looking or a few idea's. thanks for your help in advance. Rick
I would try finishing the job; getting all that junk out even if I make a mess of it, then filling all the holes with weld, grinding it smooth, and finally drilling and tapping a new hole where the original one was. But I'm stubborn and have trouble facing reality.
It can be saved, but cost comes into effect. Bare 302 blocks can be picked up for around $40, now having it welded, drilled and tapped is probably going to cost even more. And welding cast iron is not something that I would attempt with a typical 110 MIG welder. But that's based on my welding experience(or lack off). I'm in a similar situation with one of my blocks. The cylinder wall has a crack in it. I can get it sleeved for $125 or I can pick up a complete short block at a JY for $110.
Im a lot like you, in i try not to let stuff beat me. i have busted a couple of drill bits,and one easy out myself. I dont know what ave. to go down next.
Strip the block, and see if they will do it then? Or find a regular machine shop that might, just wash it all down good when its done.
Just find any usable short block or long block on craigslist. shoudl be able to find one around $100, even if its not a roller it will still get your car done and be cheap. If you cant find anything then my brother has a complete running longblock 289 that you just need to bolt up yout intake maniflod, oil pan and timing cover on and drop it in your car. then sell off all those other parts and just start driving the car. My brother wants $200 for the 289.
ya but you bought somebody else problem. and im sure they knew it when they sold it. you can sell all the other engine parts to a mustang guy who needs a rebuild but has a good crank. you have a couple different heads to sell too right? just sell it off, if you send me a list of wha tyou got I can put it on one of my Mustang boards, theres a couple Tucson guys on it. And the 289 I know runs, we took it out to put in a 302 and aluminum heads. but before that my brother was driving it around in his falcon with an AOD trans and going all over the place.
Isn't this bolt just a timing cover bolt? Post pictures if you can Rick, I think I remember talking to you about this last spring and I think my conclusion was don't make a mountain out of an ant hill. My first suggestion would be to weld a bolt on the existing broke bolt, heat block up around bolt hole with torch, turn bolt out, install new bolt, and new timing cover. Now if you were going to upgrade the motor then I would be worried about other hole in block, but with just a stock bore and e7 heads I think its good enough for a long while.
I tried that and i too broke some stuff off in there. for now im going with the you cant beat me attitude. even if i have to waste a hole box of hf drill bits! wish me luck, Rick
If it is an 89 HO motor it has roller lifters, trw forged pistons and dbl roller timing chain lots of goodies
Get a box of reverse drill bits. Heat up the block with a propane torch and drill. Maybe eventually the bit will grab and spin the bolt out.
