Cracked block: Is it OK?

Sealer in the antifreeze is a last-ditch effort. It ususally causes more problems than it cures.

The bump in the head gasket is not from being there the last time it was replaced. It is there because the gasket swelled into the crack.

If the block is cracked, , conventional wisdom says it is toast.

"" wrote: > I'm replacing the head gasket on my '85 Toyota and while I was > cleaning the head I noticed a small crack in the block. The > crack runs > between two coolant passageways behind (closet to the > cylinders) the > head bolt on the exhaust side between the number 4 and 5 > cylinders. > > I see no signs of a leak near the crack. I checked the old > head gasket > and noticed "bumps" where the gasket filled the crack before > leading > me to believe the crack was there the last time the head > gasket was > changed, which was a couple of years ago and several thousand > miles. > > > (The car has a leaky radiator and has been overheated a couple > of > times). > > The gasket is being replaced because it was overheated and > blew the > gasket behind the number 6 cylinder between the cylinder and a > coolant > passageway. Not really near the crack. > > So my question is: Is this block usable or should I find a new > one.

In this case,a new blpck may be in order because you did day that the motor was overheated a few times and blew a head gasket as a result of it. THis makes me think that the crack is new and the result of stress and it also goes to a few head bolt holes which are high stress areas. Time fo a "new" block or for that fact maybe a head as well since it or at least get the head throughly checked for cracks too and flatness.

What model '85 Toyota? Corolla 4DR, SR-5, GTS, Celica, Camry...? (Just a curiosity question and the fact I'm looking for parts for a Corolla GTS or Celica GTS.)

Cressida. Sorry meant to mention that.

Which engine? 5M-GE as in the Supra of the day? Probably for what you are going to spend in time, effort and money rebuilding that engine, you could yank a 7M-GE out of a newer Supra or Cressida and wedge it in there, or locate another 5M. Course, with the 7M you're looking at HG problems, too.

You might also be able to find a good 22RE and slap it in. It will be down about 35 horses; if you can live with that they can be had for $2-500. I paid $300 for one with 160,000; just a baby...

5M-GE, exactly like the Supra. In fact I have a Supra repair manual (Haynes) and the cars seem to be identical in most respects.

Through a long and tedious history I have 3 complete 5M-GE engines, (2 with thrown rods). One of the ones that threw a rod threw it the rod cap through the oil pan and there doesn't seem to be any problem with the case.

I agree.

I fail to see how sealer in the antifreeze would help. the crack connects two pasageways that are connected anyway below the crack.

Guess we know what you'll be doing with the rest of YOUR summer! ;)

Hmmm...let's see...the '85 Celica GTS was about the same car as the '85 Supra; I think it had heavier springs to accomodate the extra weight of the engine...

U,. I'll be back...gotta get the Haynes out and let the wheels spin a little....