Cracked block

I've been thinking about buying an MB motor thats had a repair (not a very good one) below the distributor due to a cracked block, I've not seen this motor in the flesh yet, but the owner says it run OK (as they do) before he took it out, but due to a small water leak from the bad repair he decided to replace it with another complete engine.

I know its a little hard to judge how bad this repaired crack is, but is this a common place for MB blocks to crack? and would you guys say its worth messing around trying to get blocks re-welded, or would you steer clear of it?.

Any advice appreciated.

 

I'd avoid it. there are enough L-134's around (although fewer from MB's). You'll come across a nicer one at some point.

 

For your situation, I agree, you should avoid it. But I could use an MB engine. Care to share where it is at?

 

Its in England & so am I, shall we race for it? and the looser pays


Andy, not too many L 134's around here either I just wish you guys had left more Jeep stuff here after WW2

 

thats a different story then... maybe have a machinist take a look at it and see how repairable it is? Some block cracks are more "fixable" than others. Either way, i wouldnt pay much for it.

 

The crack is common. If you can get it cheap enough why not

 

There is a product that some of the guy's in my diesel club have used to repair cracked Cummins blocks here is a link to there product. http://www.locknstitch.com/RepairExamples.htm

 

It doesnt cost much to repair a cracked block but i beleive it needs to be torn down completely. Not sure though

 

Thanks for your input Guys, I've made an offer on it now, plan was to strip it down for welding & a rebuild, if the offers accepted.

 

It might not need to be welded. Threaded crack repair rods have been around for years but a few years back there was a much better new design that came out. I don't have the info here with me onit but a good machine shop should know about them.

 

I missed out & got out bid on the deal, it went for £157 give or take around $300 I reckon.

Not sure what you guys would call cheap for a motor with a cracked block.

 

That price would get you a good running L-134 on this side of the pond

 

I kind of regretted not bidding higher after loosing out on the deal, until I read that ^ seems I need to get the canoe out now
A good rebuilt L-134 I reckon would sell here for minimum £1000 & max £1600,, around double it for $ USD.

 

Might save you money buying one on this side and having it shipped home, then.R)