How to Repair Cracks on Engine Block?
For most car engines, one of the worst things that can happen is cracking. Cracks on engine blocks can happen due to overheating or poor lubrication. While a person with a new or used car released in the past few years can usually find repair parts for the engine block, those with vintage cars usually have less options. Obviously, if you're a novice and do not regularly work with cars, you should find a mechanic in your area or a specialist to repair your engine block. However, it can be expensive and time consuming.
Many people tend to think that engine block repair is best done by welding. This is not usually true. In fact, welding an engine block can cause failure in a short period and can create more damages. The only time when the welding is necessary is when the engine block has small holes and no cracks. For best results, most experts choose metal locking or metal stitching.
Metal locking is a process to fix a crack in a seamless engine block made from cast iron. Welding is not used for engine block most repairs because of the difficulty and time it takes to weld cast iron. Cast iron requires very high temperature to weld very well, plus a detailed and time intensive techniques needed.
Metal stitching is a much easier and cheaper technique. In fact, you can literally fix some cracks in minutes. You can use metal stitching to fix a cracked engine block using stitching pins. Many stitching bolts or pins are made up of zinc plating, dowels, threaded rods, copper plating and tapered rods. When fixing a cracked engine block with metal stitching technique, you need a metal stitching kit. It comprises all parts you need to perform a proper metal stitching. Many complete kits are available in most specialty shops. When performing metal stitching, you should have a torque wrench, drill bit, or hammer to place a stitch firmly inside the crack. Certain types of stitches are included in some kits. For example, stitches with shoulders allow you to insert a stitch into the crack so the threads won't be visible on the exterior. Often, stitches with shoulders can give you a good-looking finish. Certain metal stitching kits need some type of epoxy or sealant as finish. Follow the directions properly to mix the epoxies. Apply it gently on any detectable crack to avoid rough protrusion. You can smooth the surface by using sand paper.
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