Cracked grey motor

[fcwrangler]

A mate of mine has just called in to show me a friends FB ute which appears to have a crack in the block. The crack runs along the outside below the first welch plug at the bottom of the water jacket for about 75-80mm.you can see the stains from the coolant on the block in line with the bend in the block.
The question is, can this be welded or fixed in any way? Or is he up for another block.
Regards,Jim

[FC427]

Put some Chemi weld in it had one the same put some chemi weld in it was still good 5 years later when I changed it out  think the cause had something to do with the hot tank when it was reconditioned

[ardiesse]

Jim,

Take the ute to a radiator place and get them to pressure-test the cooling system.  If the block's cracked, then you'll see water run out the crack when the cooling system's under pressure.

You said there are coolant stains on the block in line with the bend in the block.  To me, this is exactly where coolant would accumulate if it was leaking from elsewhere.

I'd advise caution, and maybe even replacing the welch plug in question, before concluding that the block's cracked.  A 75 mm long crack would leak water at a fair rate . . .

Rob