New Holland 2120 Cracked Block

meringer · Mar 29, 2021

Have a NH 2120 with the T854 Shibaura engine. Block is cracked near a freeze plug. Have had it in the shop for several attempts to weld it but without success.
Thinking I need to replace the block. Networking here in hopes of finding a lead on a half block or engine without breaking the bank for the repair. Any leads or advise would be greatly appreciated.

mini14 · Mar 29, 2021

Lock and stitch method might help Cast Iron Repair Engine Applications - Turlock, CA - LOCK-N-STITCH Inc.

meringer · Mar 30, 2021

Thanks for the info. I have researched this a bit. Might be a viable option.

pmsmechanic · Mar 30, 2021

I've seen a friend grind the crack out with a rough grinding wheel, then fill the crack with JB Weld. As the JB Weld is hardening press lightly on it with a shop cloth and it'll look like cast iron. Paint it and you'll forget there was a crack there. I don't know how well it will work on an engine that works hard but on his little Farmal A it worked very well.

Williy · Mar 30, 2021

the chevy 454 cast iron exhaust manifold has been repaired with
cast iron wood/coal stove cement perhaps that might work???

willy

ruffdog · Mar 30, 2021

Does the weld shop drain the coolant and pre-heat the area first? An assembled engine like that is really going to need lots of heat to make a difference.

Henro · Mar 31, 2021

I wonder if you could TIG braze it rather than weld the cast iron?

Just a thought. TIG brazing cast iron seems to work well for other cast iron things...

Edit: You might ask for advice in the welding forum.

meringer · Apr 4, 2021

Thanks everyone for the great feedback.
Have already tried a number of methods including the JB Weld and TIG welding. Block crack continues to propagate and spider web off from the the main crack. Mechanic suspects it might be a bad casting. In the meantime, I have located a used engine that I think I can use to either rebuild or salvage the block from it.

arto98607 · Apr 4, 2021

meringer said:
Thanks everyone for the great feedback.
Have already tried a number of methods including the JB Weld and TIG welding. Block crack continues to propagate and spider web off from the the main crack. Mechanic suspects it might be a bad casting. In the meantime, I have located a used engine that I think I can use to either rebuild or salvage the block from it.

First the engine need to be removed & disassembled.
Cracked blocks can usually be properly repaired by competent welder who is used to welding cast iron.

It speaks for itself if someone tried to weld it without disassembly!

Apparently New Holland 2120 is the same as Ford 2120 and was sold here 1991 - 2000 so there should be many used engines / engine blocks out there if the one you found does not work out.