signs of a cracked engine block, with pictures!

[elvis3006]

if one were to have a cracked engine block on an MB/GPW what would some of the symptoms be? sorry for the dumb question or lack of information. just curious, thank you.

[echelon1]

It depends where the cracks are.
Some are harmless, others are repairable.
When a crack is at the wrong spot, coolant can leak externally and internally.
Coolant in the sump would be an indication for an internall leak.
A leak into the combustion chamber would show white smocke and the coolant would continiously drop untill the engine overheat.
An externall leak would show by wet spots on the block and dried up anti freeze if not severe.
A crack in the block deck is harmless and common if it does not lead into the cylinderwall or valve seat.

Good luck,
Gindi.

[EAMount]

The white smoke and drop in coolant level could also be due to a blown head gasket which is a simple fix compared to a cracked block.

Everett

[elvis3006]

i noticed a small amount of coolant leaking from somewhere in or around the distributer, or at least it appears to be coming from there. engine runs fine, and this is not the first time noticing it. i have noticed this before but never thought much of it till now, first time was a few years ago . anyone experience coolant in this location?

[echelon1]

Above & below the distributor hole is a common place to find a crack.
The distributor hole is also known to crack, but then you definitelly will find coolant in the sump.

Gindi.

[elvis3006]

Above & below the distributor hole is a common place to find a crack.
The distributor hole is also known to crack, but then you definitelly will find coolant in the sump.

Gindi.

so because of the leak around the dizzy i will find coolant in the sump.....where is the sump, and is this serious? thank you.

[echelon1]

Please excuse my bad English please.
If the coolant leak is found at the outside of the engine, the crack is also at the outside.
If coolant is found in the sump (inside of the engine where the oilbath is) , the crack will be at the inside of the engine.
The distributor side is where the cracks usually appear at the outside.
Cracks at the inside of the engine is more difficult.
They can appear inside the distrubutor hole (the hole in the engine block where the distributor is installed), or a cracked or pitted cylinderwall, or a cracked valve seat.

Gindi.

[elvis3006]

English is fine, much better than mine lol. well i think there is no leak inside the engine, the engine oil is ok and not contaminated,also the oil level never increased. i changed the oil last week and again no signs of contamination.

[echelon1]

Thanks!
Clean oil is a very good sign!
No internal leaks which means a low cost repair if any.
The casting plugs are sheet metal and they tend to rust from the inside and leak throuh a pinhole.
The repair would cost you 1 dollar...
It would be good if you could take a picture from the leak and post it here.
That would save us a thousand words and a lot of guessing.

Yours,
Gindi.

[elvis3006]

pictures of the leak area.....does this look normal?

[F. R. Fox]

Looks like a cracked block to me. Have it lock stiched. Friend of mine had it done on his engine for $100 so I assume it's not terribly expensive.