MH 55 Engine

[coxtavrn]

I"ve got a JD382 engine w/cracked block between the cylinders. Crack doesn"t go all the way through, so I"m weighing my options - leave as is, replace or repair. Anyone know of a source for replacement, or, what type of machine shop can do the furnace brazing? What about leaving it alone - what problems would crop up?

 

[Goldsburg]

Between which cylinders is it cracked? If between 1 and 2 or 3 and 4, then you will have to deck the block,re-machine the sleeve flange bores and possibly the sleeve bores after a GOOD brazing job. A good brazing job will V groove the crack at least 2/3 of the way down then fill completely back in. This should result in some brazing material "bleeding" into the sleeve bores.

Otherwise, there should be no long term issues with a good brazing job...

Regards,

Goldsburg

 

[rustred]

massey 55 should be wet sleeves, so a crack in block inbetween the sleeves most likely wont hurt a thing. there is many engines out there running with there same cracks. i have put engines together that had these cracks and didnt affect a thing. you could give it a film of locktite on the crack just before installing head gasket.or use some jb weld and file flat. but its hard to say without seeing the crack. post a pic if possible. i use permatex high-tack spray on my head gaskets with good luck for the last 35 years. never had a leak.

 

[Bruce Colbourne]

The cracks you have in your block is a common thing on the continental wet sleeve engine.If the cracks are between the bores it is not a big problem.I have put a number of engines together with the cracks in the block between the cylinders.Make sure the block is clean and put a new head gasket in.You can put a sealant in the crack if you want.I have never used a sealant in the crack and have had good luck with them.The first time I run into this problem I called my local continental dealer and asked about it.The fellow I talked to said it was a common problem and if I had not taken the engine apart to rebuild I would never had know it was like that.He also said the head gasket will seal it and to torque the head bolts 5 to 10 pounds tighter than the book says.This will also help to make sure of a good seal and you don't have to retorque the head after you have run the engine.

 

[coxtavrn]

That is a relief. It is a wet sleeve engine. My concern came from the mechanic who looked at it - he thought the crack had to be repaired, but I'm not sure he is familiar w/Continental. I"ll post a pic this weekend.
Thanks