Repairing Flathead cracks

Hey all, I have a 51 Merc block that I just got back from being hot tanked and Magnafluxed. It showed 2 noticeable cracks between exhaust ports and cylinders (#3 & 6). My machine shop is good at what they do but fixing flatheads is not what they do. They did tell me that they thought these cracks were repairable but they did not feel comfortable trying it out on my block.

I was wondering if any of you guys know of any shops within a couple hours of northern VA (ie- VA, MD, PA, DE) that are experienced with drilling & pinning (& probably sleeving at least one) these old beasts?

I've attached a few pics that may help if you can see them.
Thanks for any suggestions.

 

can't help you with a machine shop. what i can do is tell you that you are on the right track. find a good shop, have block pinned and replace the valve seats, sleeve if necessary. do not weld. welding is to iffy. yout local machine guy did you a favor by not learning on your block. best of luck...jack

 

I have just repaired a block in similar condition. It passed the pressure test. I am confident it is a good repair. I fixed the crack using "Lock n Stitch" pins. They require special tooling which I have invested in. I am in Florida and I would be very happy to help you fix your block. I am actually putting that engine together this weekend. I can post pics of the repair in a day or so. PM me if you have any questions.

 

it would be a long drive for him, but i might need your services...jack

 

Richie, contact Doug Walker at Joe Smith Early Ford and Hot Rod here in Richmond. Very, very good guy who will treat you right. Doug is on the HAMB here:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/member.php?u=24143

http://www.joesmithearlyford.com/

 

Henry Floored is right. Lock and Stitch is the way to go with this repair

 

Thanks for the replys and info. Great info as usual from HAMBers.

 

http://www.locknstitch.com/

 

Thanks Tig master for the link. That looks like a really sturdy way to repair cracks. And not too difficult.
Is that what you used, Henry Floored? Did you have to sleeve your cylinder also? If the crack goes to the cylinder, I would guess you would lock & stitch up fairly close to the cylinder and then drop a sleeve in up next to the last pin?
WHat about where the crack heads down into the port a little? How would you handle that?
Thanks again.