392 in pieces

[RandalPark@xxxxxxx]

I don't know how you can tell that a cracked block got that way by freezing or 
by overheating. I know that the block in my '65 Imperial was cracked when I got 
it. It never leaked, but it was a BIG crack. It had come from over heating and 
there was other evidence as well, such as broken rings, bearing damage, and , 
oh yes, the proverbial characteristic remains of a mammoth trailer hitch.

I replaced mine. I don't think that I would ever repair or pay to have repaired 
a cracked cylinder block unless a replacement was absolutely unobtainable. I 
know that they can be fixed and if done right, very well, in fact. The trouble 
is, not only would it not be as good as a block that was never cracked in the 
first place, but I would always know that it was cracked. If I had to sell the 
car, I would never feel right about it unless I told everyone. Guess what, then 
they probably wouldn't buy it. 

I highly recommend that you replace your block, Hugh. It will be a better 
engine job in the long run.

Paul

In a message dated 4/12/2004 10:38:56 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
hugtrees@xxxxxxxx writes:

> 
> 
> Hi folks,
> 
> I got to se my 58's 392 Hemi in pieces today.  Fascinating stuff.  I'm
> pinched for time this second but can say I was right, it needed a ring job.
> The cylinder walls look fine but there is some scarring on one or two of the
> pistons and also on the bearings that attach to the crank shaft.  They gave
> me a list of desirable actions to take from this point but . . .
> 
> There is a huge crack in the block !!!!  It's old, very old and does not
> seem to have reached the cylinders.  They want to take the block to a shop
> and find out the best thing to do with it.  It probably reaches the water
> jacket but I know for a fact it doesn't leak.
> 
> I thought the car had been seriously worked on before.  This kind of damage
> comes from freezing, not over heating so it is not related to the cracked
> head of a few years ago.
> 
> I took some pictures of the engine and of the car, which looks very high up
> in the front end, for some reason!  Getting heat from the "boss."  Gotta go.
> 
> Hugh
> 
> 
> 
>