VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1933-1936 36 207 freeze plugs?

Just bought a36. I believe it was recently rebuilt and running a year ago. Owner claimed that it was not winterized and it froze. I can see water in one of the cylinders. Wouldn't the freeze plugs give before the block? Would there be chance that the engine could be repaired? If not where could I find an engine?

The block usually cracks first. They are not really freeeze plugs but welch plugs.
If only one ar two cylinders are bad they can have a sleve installed ....dosen't cost that mch but block has to be removed and stripped.

There is a process called "zip". It is not a weld job. Large machine shops are doing this these days. The block can be saved in any shape provided it is not busted one half into. Call around you will find one. Good luck.

You might also be able to repair the crack by "stitching". This may be the same process terrill is referring to. Here are some articles which explain how the repair is done:

http://www.freeasestudyguides.com/engine-block-repair.html

http://www.enginebuildermag.com/Article/1968/pinning_down_the_cold_repair_process.aspx

Good luck with it.

Happy Motoring,

Dan

Note that he said water is leaking into the cylinder. This indicates that the cylinder wall is cracked and not the outside of the block......so it will be necessary to tare down the block. In a few years the crack will probably show up on the outside of the block.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good engine restorer or machine shop within 200 miles of the Kansas City area that could work on the 36 engine?

If you were a VCCA Member I would tell you to call guys in your area with the same or near same car and ask them....but you will have to get on that phone and call shops. Then ask to see their work or to talk to people who have had work done there to see. You are going on a "hunt" for a good place to do the work. My bet is there is one in your area who will do it. You just got to find them.

Scroll down this list to find out how to join the local REGION in your area. There's lots of activity around Wichita.

http://vcca.org/locations.php

Thanks for the advice. I did join and am just now starting on this new adventure. I appreciate all of the support I have already received from the club and the members.

Rcw, I just bought a 36, my engine seems to run good. There was a spare engine that came with this car. The PO has not delivered it to me yet, but he said he would when ever I needed it. It may be an option, I do not know the condition, because it is stored outside. I live in Ruidoso,NM not too far from Kansas.

Thanks for the lead. I may be interested depending on estimate and outcome from machine shop. I will let you know.

I'll be in New Mexico thru the middle of December.