aux shaft popped a hole in block

[deang]

I wasn't paying attention when I replaced the timing belt on my '81 spider and the auxiliary shaft unused end lobe hit a piston crankshaft piece, broke the auxiliary shaft, popped a neat clean hole in the block. This is the first time the car had started in about twenty five years. It ran for just fine with oil spraying oil out of the hole for a minute before I turned it off.

Should I replaced the broken piece back in the hole with JB Weld, apply a patch over that with JB Weld, retreive the broken aux shaft from the crankcase, find a replacement aux shaft and call it good or find a new block rebuild an engine? Or both?

[djape1977]

get another block

[majicwrench]

I had a 230 straight six in a 64 chev pu that thru a rod thru the side. Put a piece of tin over hole secured with silicone. Worked for YEARS AND YEARS.
Really, if hole is not thru water jacket or oil passage or the like, and you don't feel like spending the time and money, put a patch on it and enjoy your car. I would use silicone sealer.
And you have already learned your lesson about paying attention. Car repair demands attention to detail.
Keith

[FiatMac]

I would replace the block. The #2 connecting rod may also be damaged as it is what hit the lobe on the auxiliary shaft. May also be damage to the auxiliary shaft bearing.

[ga.spyder]

I ran a motor for years(not a Fiat) that had a hole fixed with a JB Weld patch.Before going that route,you need to check for con rod damage,like FiatMac suggested.Our Lemons racer had the entire aux shaft lobe in the oil pan!! No damage to the rod.Good luck