Cracked engine block

ram360

Founding Member
Oct 19, 2002
2,162
1
59
Pennsylvania
I had a spare shortblock lying on my engine stand. I had a friend up yesterday and he's like you have a crack in it. It's cracked on the drivers side. I didn't take any pics but it's the the hole where the bottom bellhousing bolt goes into. I mean it's not the engine block itself or anything. I was going to have it rebuilt but not I'm not sure what to do, I'm thinking it could be welded since its in an area of much importance. The shortblock only had like 80K miles so I was suprised to see that.
 
Throw it in the junk heap. The labor to fix it isn't worth it. There are literally millions upon millions of good factory 302 blocks out there. Every 302 since 1985 has been made to support the use of roller lifters and cams. You can buy brand new Ford bare blocks still from Central Coast Mustang I think for like $300. You should be able to get a short block at any auto recycler for very little cash.
 
Rick 91GT said:
It could be welded fairly easy and cheap. I have even seen then run without the ears, although I don't suggest it.

Thanks rick, From what I've been told thats where all the torque is on these motors. :shrug: So it take it that is not an uncommon problem? I'll have to check everything else over and see what else may be hiding. This sucks everything I have is junk. :( :damnit:
 
ram360 said:
Thanks rick, From what I've been told thats where all the torque is on these motors. :shrug: So it take it that is not an uncommon problem? I'll have to check everything else over and see what else may be hiding. This sucks everything I have is junk. :( :damnit:

Through a buddy of mine I know someone who actually can form a new ear when they break off, and the motors have seen a lot of power and high rpms with no issues. I mag all the motors I build just for that reason, some of the cracks are very hard to see.

Almost ready?