I have a '87 small block with a 2" long crack in the lifter valley going into the water passage, near #8 cylinder, about 2.5" down, parallel from the deck. Is this repairable using an epoxy like Devcon, or should it be replaced? Thanks ...........

 

needs to be replaced. if u try to fix it even with welding it would just get worse later on or right after ur done welding it. so the thing is to that it has to be replaced.

 

Paul Harvey would tell you to go and get some JB Weld. He said someone used it to repair a back hoe's cracked engine block.

:hail:IROC-Z

 

I wouldnt even attempt it. Soon as you fire the car up, the head is going to try to lift off the block, and that area is what prevents it from going anywhere. The question really isnt is it going to crack again, but when.

You should be able to pick up a decent replacement block for a couple hundred bucks at most.

 

You could try to repair it but welding cast iron is a ***** im sure you can find a replacement block for cheap.

 

throw it in tha' gutter and go buy another.

Buy a bottle of antifreeze next time.