First tractor, did i get burned? ym2000 cracked block....

[c low]

OK guys finally time for an update. I flushed the cooling system out some more, added coolant and some radiator flush. my radiator cap was leaking a good deal so i got a new one. I also got a temp guage from hoye tractor and installed. I ran the tractor today at @ 2400 rpms in the yard just creeping in reverse and 1st in the lowest gears, i did this for maybe 15-20 minutes and it never got above 195 degrees. BUTTTT, i popped the hood open, and what do you know the crack in the block in seeping with what i think is a coolant/oil mix. Its thin and black, but tastes sweet like antifreeze. Im waiting for it to cool down to check the oil for water and vice versa. I have some pictures to share. The crack is above the big goop of what appears to be jb weld, the highest point that is wet.

 

[sdkubota]

Maybe I am mistaken or have been out of the loop for a long time but as memory serves cast iron is extremely difficult if not impossible to weld. You better be carefull or you will cause more damage to the CI block then what is already there. Personally, I would have returned the tractor and demanded my money back...that is a serious issue far greater then GB Weld. As I recall, threaded inserts need to be installed in the metal prior to welding and the are pre-heated, etc. to even have a chance. Maybe finding a used block won't be overly difficult...don't know.

 

[clemsonfor]

yea cast is hard to weld. it can be done, is iffy though. i think thats why we recommended someone who can weld and knows what they doin. i can weld but just roughly on steel, i would not even think of trying cast though.

 

[c low]

It does not appear that there is oil in my coolant or vice versa. As a temporary fix im going to drain coolant, use a grinder with a wirewheel to remove all of old jb weld, clean up area well and apply 2 thin coats followed by a 3rd thicker coat of jb weld. If this holds it from leaking out the side of the block i will continue to check my oil and coolant for signs of contamination from the other. I know a guy who has welded his entire life for a career, before there was mig and tig, and is now a welding inspector. He has welding many thousands of cast items in his life and if i decide to get it welded he is the guy i will ask.

Would anyone know where to find or look for a bare engine block? or even a short block or running engine? I could swap all my internals into a good block if i could find one. I am planning on starting to use this tractor in the next month so we will see how she fares. Thanks guys for all your comments and suggestions, Chris

 

[chopped]

Seems to me nothing to loose to grind down and rough up the patch on it now, and the clean and try a JB weld fix..Its worth a shot.Ive welded cast with good results, but its been on something that wasnt as delicate.

 

[clemsonfor]

Call hoye they can give you a price on one imsure. Bare block or short block. My guess is they will be a good bit though? Also i think there is a member bruce something that has engines that he sells?

 

[Marauderer]

Seems to me nothing to loose to grind down and rough up the patch on it now, and the clean and try a JB weld fix..Its worth a shot.Ive welded cast with good results, but its been on something that wasnt as delicate.

I agree with Chopped. You might look into Devcon patches as I have had very good results using them.

 

[shortthrow50]

Have you even called the guy you bought it from and said "Hey, anything you want to tell me about the JB weld you put over the bcrack in the engine block that has oil coming out of it?"

 

[Car Doc]

Normally a small hole is drilled at the ends of the cracks to relieve the stress and stop the crack from getting longer. But who ever does the welding will do what he knows and it will be tough to weld leak free but thats what silver seal is good for fwtw.

 

[Coldwater]

i have welded yanmars my ym1700 2x4 is a welded block... it not hard to do. i do it with a mig welder and co2 gas.yanmar block are more cast steel then cast iron.some times i get a good deal on a good tractor that needs its block welded.