I'm better with computers and cameras than cars. I understand that having an engine with a cracked block is bad, but why? What exactly happens and what would be the sequence of events? My old van now has a cracked block, courtesy of a shop that I fully regret taking it to. Despite this, it drives fine and the engine is a heck of a lot stronger than it was when I took it in.
I guess the cracked block means its on its last legs, but can I just keep driving it until it dies? How will it die? What should I be looking out for?
I'm just looking to understand the problem better...
2006-07-16 16:03:43 · 12 answers · asked by trws1966 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It's actually been parked for awhile (unrelated to the engine -- the shop also screwed up the transmission, right after an expensive rebuild {sigh}) so I'm dredging this up from memory...
Anyway, it was in for some heavy maintenance and they did a... um... hot dip? and that's when it cracked (or so they said). BTW, this is a '73 Dodge Sportsman with a 360 (upgraded on factory order from the 318[?] it would have normally come with).
The van has other "issues" but I'm kinda sentimental about it. :-D But I do realize it may be time to let it go...
2006-07-16 20:40:45 · update #1
(BTW, the original description that it "drives fine" was for simplicity -- the engine *was* running strong when I parked it pending transmission and other work, which didn't happen anywhere near as soon as I expected...)
2006-07-16 20:42:05 · update #2
A Cracked Block means your engine is done.. The coolant and oil can now mix, or leak out.
Sure you can drive it but if it is indeed cracked. You won't be driving it long.
The block has two different fluid systems and must segregate and flow the two around the engine.
1) OIL
2) Coolant
These must be contained within the engine and moved around to do their jobs.
If your block is cracked it has at least lost containment of these fluids and probably but indeed possibly lost segregation, allowing them to mix.
Neither is good.
Yours: Grumpy
2006-07-16 16:07:32 · answer #1 · answered by Grumpy 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A cracked block is usually caused by filling your cooling system with only water in the winter time. You park your car overnight it gets cold and the water freezes. When water freezes it also expands and cracks the block. This doesn't sound like your problem since you didn't mention a coolant leak. You did mention that a shop had worked on it. If by any chance you had a head gasket done on it then I would have to say they probably didn't clean one of the head bolt holes out and upon installing the head bolts they cracked the block. Either way it doesn't really make much difference because it is time for a new engine anyways.
2006-07-16 23:19:21 · answer #2 · answered by sava8420 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you actually had a 'cracked block', it shouldn't even be running. When an internal combustion engine 'block' has a crack, coolant from your radiator that cools the engine block enters into the oil at one or more places. If it is running at all, it will fail almost immediately.
2006-07-16 23:17:25 · answer #3 · answered by Mack 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its ony bad if the crack can not be repaired best remedy is to drill a hole at either end of the crack and have it welded at a prof, welding shop that has dealt with engine blocks or heads both aluminum or cast iron ,cast steel, the welding shop should know whether its repairable or not , ask questions on procedure ,pre heating is a must.
2006-07-16 23:43:20 · answer #4 · answered by magesty 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In time, your motor is going to fry. Having more power now may be to the tune up or whatever work you had done. If it is a cast iron block, it may be able to be welded depending upon where the crack is.
2006-07-16 23:10:12 · answer #5 · answered by Jeep Driver 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a cracked block is really bad news, but then your old van could be a classic that many shops would love to get their hands on;and will tell you the old cracked head story.if not, put a bullet in it and move on,
2006-07-16 23:28:17 · answer #6 · answered by srtransmision 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it depends on where the crack is. worst case can be an oil leak or antifreeze leak or one mixing with the other if its an external crack like an ear or something like that it can run with out a problem I've be a mechanic for 21 years
2006-07-16 23:12:48 · answer #7 · answered by JOHN R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it does not sound like you have a cracked block you never said eny of the problems that would come along with it id take it to someone diff to have it checked have them do a coolant pressure test that will tell if it is cracked
2006-07-17 00:44:41 · answer #8 · answered by babywolff1@sbcglobal.net 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a cracked engine block means that you're leaking oil from your pistons and when they lose oil they freeze up and stop working.
you're better off looking for a new car .
2006-07-16 23:08:20 · answer #9 · answered by blkrose65 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I doubt the shop cracked the block,rather they found it and informed you of it. Only excessive use and inadequate care can ruin a block
2006-07-16 23:18:21 · answer #10 · answered by javabug61 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋