Hello I'm new here and I have a question regarding cracked block. My 390 block has 3 cracks in the lifter valley area I suppose you could say on the walls separating the watter passages from the lifter valley area. One is about 3-4 inches long on one side and the other 2 are maybe an inch in length on the opposite side. Is there an economical way (no laughing) to repair this or is the block as good as scrap. Any thoughts / advice would be greatly appreciated I am running low on funds so I am just trying to get back on the road that and finding one of these blocks in the Houston area is getting hard to do. Thanks again and excellent forum!!!

A week or two ago, there was a discussion here about welding cast iron techniques. It should still be posted, and readily found.[several techniques discussed] However I can tell you from personal experience, I had a 429 block with a crack in the cooling jacket, only on the external side of the block. The welding expert[because I don't weld] told me that the preferred method of welding any cast block, was to heat the entire block, not just the area to be welded. He claimed that this would result in less warping of the assembly, requiring less possible machine work after it cooled. The area where you are discribing, may cause some warping, especially if the areas of concern are heated individually. The warping MAY effect the alignment of the cam bearings. IMO, if you try to have it welded, be sure the entire block is pre-heated, [your welder person will determine how hot]and be sure your welder person is very experienced with cast iron repairs. I am sure there are others here, who will jump in with their own "take" on welding cast iron blocks. Take it all in, and GOOD LUCK! Dean

that it's not easy (think $$$) to repair such cracks. Probably cheaper to get another block.
KS

Have you tried the obvious - call around to salvage yards? Also there is always the 1970 - 76 Ford F100 truck, many of them had 390-2V or 4V power in this era.

Generally a complete 390 at a Pick - A - Part runs $300 with a money back guarantee.

Houston area salvage yards:
http://www.superpages.com/yellowpages/C-Auto+Salvage+Yards/S-TX/T-Houston/



1912 Model T Ford touring Salmon (ugh!)
1913 Model T Ford Touring original Black paint
1915 Model T Ford Roadster Black
1915 Model T Ford touring Black of course!
1967 Cougar GT 390 Cardinal Red / Black
1968 Cougar GTE 427 Augusta Green / Saddle
http://www.supermotors.net/vehicles/registry/15029/50071-2

a 360 block will work too. Should be easy enough to find in local classifieds if not a wrecker.

His name is Austin, I emailed him.



Richard.

Excellent thanks so much for the info!! I have 2 blocks the one I was referring to in the post is a shame as it has a standard bore good alignment on the mains and barely any taper / no ridge alas it does have the cracks and really is not worth the hassle the other I have is a good block bored 60 over but the #2 main has been damaged beyond repair. Thanks again for the help!!!