Lock-N-Stitch cracked block

[stony]

The pins overlap by 50%, and a high temperature thread sealant is used when you put them in.  The threads on the pin are cut so that they pull the crack together.  After they are ground off you peen them to make sure you have a good seal.  You wind up with pretty much solid metal where the crack was.

[athawk11]

I don't think I would want the repair to be completely invisible.  I would wear it like a badge.  Remember...chicks dig scars.   And Willys guys like seeing skilled people make difficult repairs look easy.

[stony]

OK, my new tap came in last night, so I finished up this morning.  The tapered end (1/2 inch or so) of the broken tap was still in pretty good shape so I used it to make the initial thread cut.  Guessing it went about 50% depth, so made it WAY easier to do the final cut with the new tap.  All in all it went pretty well, and I am happy with the results.  Pretty expensive for the first crack repair, but the main expense is the tools.  Only used about $85 worth of pins ($1.52 ea).  So here is what it looks like, all done!

[squidtone]

Looks excellent. Good luck on the rebuild!

[stony]

So I knew there was a hole in the bellhousing, just did not know how bad.� Well it was not good, had a crack.� So I had a few pins left over, so why not?� The C pins are supposed to draw a crack closed, so gave it a try.� Interesting, the first hole went OK, but after tapping the pin went in real easily, so it looked like the crack was spreading when I tapped it.� Then it was pretty cool, I put the pins in one at a time, and each one was tighter than the last.� Put the last two in from the inside and they held just fine and sheared off just like they are supposed to.� I think it will be just fine.� Will patch the hole with several layers of JB Weld and fiberglass.� Here are some photos:

[athawk11]

Any idea why the PO cut a hole in the bell housing?� I'm trying to think why someone might do that.  Or did it break?  Hmmm. [smiley=huh.gif]

[stony]

I have NO idea.  Looks like it was cut with a torch.  Could be that it was broken, and they cut out the cracked part.  I cleaned off the area around the hole and there did not appear to be any cracks.  I do not think it will will affect the structural integrity.  The pins should hold the crack, and I should be able to make a decent patch.

[stony]

The engine is all done and running, so I thought it would be a good time to show the final results.� Here she is all peened and painted.� Perfect repair, does not leak a drop.  Before and after.

[MikeB]

That is some impressive and patient  work, most people would have turned the block into a boat anchor and found a replacement. I glad It worked out and is running leak free, great work and good job in saving the block.

I have seen people cut holes in bellhousings before, some times it�s for a quick trail fix to get acces to the clutch and release arm etc when you are not in a position to pull the engine. And I�ve seen it done once when mud got sucked into the bellhousing while fording and dried overnight and had to be chiseled out the next day to make it back to the highway to be trailered home.