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is this a problem?

1320 Views 8 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  cletus66
I just picked up a a new to me 460 and have a question of concern before I start working more on it. I noticed after I bought the engine that the two center crankcase vent holes have some damage and missing a bit of material. (see pic) Is this a problem? seems like it wouldn't be. Part of me checking out the motor was pulling the pan and there is no pieces of metal anywhere. The engine is a fresh rebuild that has not be started yet. TIA, Bill

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Looks to me as it's a casting flaw right from the foundry. It should have been rejected back when it came off the line. but some how it made it through to final assembly. It doesn't look to be weak point in the motor due to the rounded ends, So I'd go ahead and get it finished.



Dan
Absolutely no problem in any way whatsoever. That engine block can handle more horsepower than most people build for with the OEM blocks. Just blend the casting voids smooth and you'll be fine.

Paul

p.s.: If it's freshly rebuilt then don't bother blending the material, just run it as is.
Looks to me as it's a casting flaw right from the foundry. It should have been rejected back when it came off the line. but some how it made it through to final assembly.

Dan
Dan you'd be surprised what we have seen, such as brand new production blocks that are weld-repaired by the factory prior to being machined. And then they run for 100,000 miles or more, no problem.

A little casing void in the valley ain't no thang; in fact it isn't that uncommon. :cool:
Thanks for the replys, I feel a lot better about it now. What method would you recommend using to blend the holes? Seems like I would want to avoid getting debris in the engine. Thanks!
My block had one of the holes that looked like that. I thought I was going to have to get a new block also, but thanks to this site I didn't need to.
Thanks for the replys, I feel a lot better about it now. What method would you recommend using to blend the holes? Seems like I would want to avoid getting debris in the engine. Thanks!

If you are going to rebuild the engine then debris in the block does not matter. They clean the block at the machine shop after boring it. Just get it done before taking it to the machine shop.

If not rebuilding it I would not worry about it as stated above it will work fine the way it is.

If you are going to smooth the holes out use a dremmel or air dremmel and a bur and smooth the holes out. They are the same tools you would use porting heads.
Thanks for the reply, the bottom end is completely rebuilt and assembled. I guess I will just leave it alone and I am sure it would be fine, just wanted to check. I appreciate the imput, can't wait to get this thing up and running.
I agree. If it is already built, ignore it. I have one like that in my 4x4. My machinist sez he sees it all the time.
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