Can engine block be fixed?

[ventura ace]

Keep in mind that when you change the Aux shaft bearings, you will likely need to do some resizing to get the correct clearance for the Aux shaft. I'd advise that you take it to a knowledgeable machinist for this job. Too much clearnance, and the oil pressure may drop off. Too little clearance and it may try to seize up at temperature.

Alvon

[wachuko]

Keep in mind that when you change the Aux shaft bearings, you will likely need to do some resizing to get the correct clearance for the Aux shaft. I'd advise that you take it to a knowledgeable machinist for this job. Too much clearnance, and the oil pressure may drop off. Too little clearance and it may try to seize up at temperature.

Alvon

I will check for any damage that might require machining. Hopefully any damage would have been done to the bearing and by replacing with stock units everything should be fine. But very good point, I will measure for fitment and not assume anything, thank you.

[So Cal Mark]

the aux shaft bearings come unfinished and have to be fitted to the shaft after they are in place. So if you replace the bearings you'll have to take the block to a machinist

[manoa matt]

Considering the cost of obtaining the aux shaft, bearings and having a machineist install it, why not just use the block from your parts car? Even if its fixed up, the block is still cracked. If the aux shaft pulley is not perpendicular and parallel to the block face the timing belt might wander. Have you checked that connecting rod yet?

[wachuko]

Considering the cost of obtaining the aux shaft, bearings and having a machineist install it, why not just use the block from your parts car? Even if its fixed up, the block is still cracked. If the aux shaft pulley is not perpendicular and parallel to the block face the timing belt might wander. Have you checked that connecting rod yet?

Many if's.... If the bearings are fine, I will just seal it, drop the shaft and close it. Connecting rod looked fine.

If after detailed inspection there is a need to replace the bearings, based on those comments, out comes the engine and in goes the parts engine (which is ready to go).

Thank you for the details shared on this.

[Tempest455]

I had the very same problem with my 80 spider. I had the local Fiat shop perform the repairs (London Auto Services in Falls Church VA. ) They used JB weld to help seal up the crack in the block both inside and outside. That was some 2,000 miles ago driven over the course of the past 9 months (summer heat and dead of winter) and everything is still holding up ok.

I put the broken end of the old aux shaft on my desk at work. makes for a nice conversation piece.

[wachuko]

I got some of this that we wanted to try:



All work to be done Thursday night.

[Tango]

This is sobering. As explained in another thread, I just found out that my Aux shaft pulley is off from where it should be by about 60 degrees or so (too far CW as viewed from front). If so, and based on what I know from previous owners, the belt hasnt been changed for at least 10 years / 8,000 miles so he pulley must have been in the wrong position all that time.

Can you help orientate me in that photo? Where is this spot on the engine located? I should at least have a look. I sure hope it is OK.

T

[wachuko]

I will go with JB Weld or this : http://www.alvinproducts.com/

And thank you Chris for the offer and the suggestion on how to make the fix:

When patching the crack on the block,I was told by a gear/motor head here, make sure you have ground the cracks clean and if possible take a dremel and just lightly grind out a bit of a trough in the cracks. Clean with brake cleaner and fill with the JB weld. The machinist that helps me said you can weld cast, grinding out a groove for the material to sit in.

I found an auxiliary shaft, should be on its way before the end of the week (got it from Matthews Parts). Ordered the bearings from Vicks Auto.

Once I get all the parts to do this I will take photos and post them on this thread.

Sure, let me know if these work, if not, when I get home I can take a few more to make it clear.

[wachuko]

OK guys, stupid question.... why do I need to change the Aux shaft?? Follow my reasoning and tell me what is wrong with it.

The shaft is broken, so it is not going to hit the crankshaft again... the second bearing support was for that off-set lobe... so the remaining piece is in its bearing will not suffer any off-center forces from the lobe... oil pressure in the car was fine before it. So again, why do I need to remove it?

[wachuko]

I think that I can answer my question... I have to remove it because the end of the shaft is no longer plugged...

[carl55]

My first thought is what do you mean by "my oil pressure is fine". Do you mean the light never came on or your pressure gauge always read good?

Carl

[wachuko]

My first thought is what do you mean by "my oil pressure is fine". Do you mean the light never came on or your pressure gauge always read good?

Carl

Yeah, pressure light never came on... anyway, new one is in.

[carl55]

...Interesting.... Just thinking about the oil path discussed earlier.

Carl

[wachuko]

For the future benefit of those that search. Copied from my main thread:

Offending part is out:



and modification to the replacement part done. End was threaded and a cap (bolt) glued in place.



Filled it with oil before installing just in case... in it goes...















Removed the cover to the crankshaft to replace gasket and seal, and to clean the cover... much better now:



The same goes for the aux shaft cover... clean as you go my dad still says, clean as you go...









I still have to clean all this area before installing back everything...



That is all for tonight, more on Saturday. Cheers!