[SEL] Fairbanks Morse ZD Cracked Block - Best Way to Repair

[FRM8198 at aol.com]

In a message dated 9/4/2005 9:15:17 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,  
lcjudge at scrtc.com writes:

Here's a  few tips though to make sure others have 
success also.  One is to  make sure that the surface where the JB is to 
be applied is free of dirt,  loose paint, etc.  I usually take a die 
grinder and try to "V" the  crack.  It doesn't have to be wide or deep, 
maybe 1/8 inch wide and a  total of 1/16 to 3/32.  Then, after I vee it 
out, I take some carb  cleaner and spray the crack real well.  This will 
help remove oil and  grease that may be down in the crack.  Finally, I 
apply a little  heat.  Not a great deal, but hot enough that you can't 
hold your  finger on it or that its just hot enough that if you spit on 
it, it would  sizzle.  I've even repaired some (the 4 HP Columbus I've 
got for one)  with original paint and haven't burned it off.  You've got 
to be  patient.  The heat will do three things, one it will further 
ensure  that grease, oil, etc that may be in the crack will be driven 
out.   Two, the heat will cause the crack to open a bit (maybe only a few  
thousandths or two but that will be enough for the third thing it  
does).  Three, heat will cause the JB to run like water.  When  you apply 
it to the heated crack, it will run in the crack to ensure you  have a 
good seal. 


Thanks for the great tips.  

Francis  Maciel
Santa Maria, CA