Can An Engine Block Be Repaired?

Yes, an engine block can be repaired. However, anyone that knows anything about engines will advise that you should never try to repair an engine block yourself. Engine block repairs, when they’re even possible, are difficult. One mistake can render the entire block useless and destined to be smelted down and repurposed. We’re looking at the most common engine block issue, four signs of a faulty engine block, and how to arrange an engine block assessment and repair or replacement in KwaZulu-Natal.

The most common engine block issue

Let’s face it: the most common issue with engine blocks are cracks. These form for a number of reasons, but it’s usually because of excessive overheating. Engine block cracks can form in a number of areas on the block, but because an engine block is made from cast iron and not steel, it’s not as easy as just welding it fixed. Even when an engine block can be welded, using an arc welder, blocks can still end up misformed and thus unusable.

4 signs of a cracked engine block

  1. Low compression
    Picked up that your engine isn’t performing nearly as well as before? A cracked engine block cannot contain the pressures present in all internal combustion engines. When cracks form, sometimes this can be felt in a noticeable loss of performance.
  2. Visible smoke
    Has your engine recently started streaming smoke from behind every time you run it? Bluish or grey smoke billowing from a vehicle’s exhaust pipe shows that oil or coolant is leaking from an engine block, usually indicative of a serious crack.
  3. Engine overheating
    Engines are naturally hot pieces of machinery, but they can get too hot for a number of reasons. Watching your engine heat gauge climb to the red is another common sign of a cracked engine block. The crack causes engine coolant to leak out, which causes the engine to overheat.
  4. Leaking oil or coolant
    Keep having to top your engine up with endless bottles of engine oil? Dark patches underneath your engine and excessive oil consumption could be a sign of engine oil or engine coolant leaking, which will most likely occur because of an engine block crack.

Find out more about identifying a cracked engine block in our blog article on signs your engine block has cracked.

Let an expert engine refurbishment workshop take a look

Engines that are assessed and refurbished by engine specialists can still be repaired to factory specifications. If you’re concerned about your vehicles’ engine blocks, Eagleharm Engineering has the specialist tools and equipment to assess, refurbish, and repair them. Get the most out of your engines by contacting us today to discuss professional engine services in KwaZulu-Natal.