Cracks, NOT scratches in engine bay

[Red66GT]

I reconfirmed that they were Cracks, NOT Scratches in the engine bay, and my thread was accidently closed.

I hope no one minds that I started this new one.

Here are the pics in case anyone missed them (Note: my digital camera kinda sucks, thats why they may have looked morel like scratches than cracks, They are most definately cracks though).

Just curious what others may think caused this and opinions to what I can do to prevent a worsening of this, b/c its can't be good.

 

[Crzyhrse]

Did you overfill the windshield washer fluid? Sorry, no help.

 

[OleYellarGT]

easiest way to fix this, which was stated in your other thread, is to grind the edges of the cracks in a "V", drill a hole at the bottom of the crack, and weld it all shut.

edit: drill a hole at the top and bottom of the crack....oops, left that out.

 

[mogs01gt]

I really dont see how sheet metal is going to crack unless the car was in an accident.

 

[NasaGT]

I really dont see how sheet metal is going to crack unless the car was in an accident.

I agree. That may be bondo cracking where someone did a crappy repair job and tried to cover it up.

 

[OleYellarGT]

I agree, though our cars have weak front ends (which I know from personal experience) they will not just crack on their own....is it possible you ran into something, or someone bumped the front? I have seen a front end of these cars be pushed sideways by the glancing blow from the side of a truck turning too close.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

I also think there is more going on here... Cracks do not just appear. Take it to a good body shop and find out what is really going on.

 

[trailblazr81]

Hmmm... Stress fractures caused by that fuseable link you got bolted on!!
Odd placement for cracks, the bend in the metal there would make it stronger. Need to figure out why it happenned. Then revert to my first statement about grinding, drilling a hole on each end and welding it.

 

[mrvax]

Looks like it could be a hidden repair job to me.

 

[btolenti]

Hmmm... Stress fractures caused by that fuseable link you got bolted on!!
Odd placement for cracks, the bend in the metal there would make it stronger. Need to figure out why it happenned. Then revert to my first statement about grinding, drilling a hole on each end and welding it.

By your name and your quote, it looks like you have fixed a K5 frame by the steering box before.....

 

[trailblazr81]

By your name and your quote, it looks like you have fixed a K5 frame by the steering box before.....

3 times. 2 Blazers and a 3/4 ton longbed P/U. Even a small frame crack by tranny crossmember. Weldings fun!!

 

[Red66GT]

hm, I suspect that may be bondo that is cracking. does anyone think my cars about to rip in half, or could bondo just crack due to heat caused by the engine over time?

 

[trailblazr81]

Body filler can crack over time. If its not mixed right, old, people dont know what they're doing, etc. You could sand around the cracks and see if you have a big patch of body filler in that area. Then I would want to remove it all and see why its there.

 

[mity2]

I really dont see how sheet metal is going to crack .

Sure it can. Can you say General Lee?

 

[helty]

I really dont see how sheet metal is going to crack unless the car was in an accident.

sure it can, just ask anyone who's ever worked on an aircraft.

that said, your typical SN95 Mustang isnt subjected to quite as much stress as the sheet metal used in aircraft, so I agree with everyone else, theres more to it than meets the eye.

 

[sgarlic]

Cracks are strange creatures. I can vouch for the aircraft cracking thing. We find cracks several times a month on the ejection seats when we tear them down. Most of the time it's on panels that do nothing but sit there, aren't subjected to movement on a regular basis, etc. Sometimes a jarring movement of just the right amount, coupled with poorly placed bolts/screws which are too tight can cause cracks.

Stop drilling is a good idea. However my guess is that it's a poor body filler job, and it'll crack to hell when you get a drill in there.