XE Engine block - Does it need welding?

[simon redshaw]

Bought a caterham XE engine and was made aware of one of the 2 bolts linking the engine mount to the block (below the carbs) had previously broken.

 

To get the remaining part of the bolt out of the block, someone had cut a max 3mm line into the block to enable the broken bolt to be force screwed out.

 

I am concerned that this may now be a weak point when I fit the engine into my car.

 

2 Options and 1 Question:

 

1) I could purchase very serious high tensile bolts with a fixing agent to lock the bolts in (not fast, but IN!). Or

2) Ask a specialist to cut the 3mm area and weld it to stop any potential of cracking in the block. I would still look to do 1) also.

 

What would you (anyone) recommend?

 

Rgds

 

Simon7R

[Nick Chan]

Simon,

 

Sounds ominous Can't help on this one but good to meet you at the Wybunbury meet last week. Good luck with the replies

 

Nick

 

Yellow HPC - A 2.0 VX - 😬

[R2D2]

Welding cast iron is very tricky and not a good idea.

[Super_Rich_Bernie]

There are various solutions to repairing cracked blocks which involve 'stitching' and can be done without heat. Something like 'Lock and Stitch'. Welding a block can introduce distortion - I think the whole thing has to be heated up and is not for the feint hearted.

 

Years ago my father had the water jacket repaired by stitcing on a Bristol engine - entitrely succesful.

 

Jonathan