Popular Post muddy Posted March 13, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted March 13, 2023 Good morning, perhaps slightly OT as its on my little tractor but I thought someone here might have a good idea.... I have recently rebuilt the engine (Perkins A3) and whilst I had it down to a bare block I found a previous repair to cracked water jacket behind the fuel pump with some sort of chemical metal. I ground this off so that when I had the block bored for top hat liners it could be welded up properly. Unfortunately during the welding (gas with cast filler) the block pinged and cracked much worse during warm down, ho hum no problem I thought and ground the new weld back cross hatched the block side and skimmed over with chemical metal approx 10mm thick. However upon first start up water began oozing through the repair, I tried a further application of the chemical metal but it has just cracked this also, in fact when the engine is running you can see the block flexing and the crack opening. A pot of ground ginger in the coolant has stopped the leak and I was able to complete a fairly large run with it yesterday but I now need to do a better repair. Initial thoughts are to take the pump off to allow good access, tip the tractor on its side, remove my repair back to the block and pool braze over the top unless anyone has any better ideas? A picture of said machine (front one), because tractors 🙃 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted March 13, 2023 Share Posted March 13, 2023 There's been more than one appearance of block stitching on Car SOS, they drill a line of holes and hammer in specially shaped inserts that tie it all together, then grind back & peen it, looked really smart and I assume it holds well enough. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gazzar Posted March 13, 2023 Share Posted March 13, 2023 I think stitching and brazing would be a good repair. Stitching to prevent flex and tie together, and braze to seal. As long as the stitching doesn't smash the block any worse! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nonimouse Posted March 13, 2023 Share Posted March 13, 2023 You could stich it Getting a block 2nd hand wouldn't be too difficult, Railswood Tractors generally have Dexta 3.152 blocks 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted March 13, 2023 Share Posted March 13, 2023 4 hours ago, Gazzar said: As long as the stitching doesn't smash the block any worse! I think if the block cracks more under repair it was probably destined to fail anyway. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smallfry Posted March 13, 2023 Share Posted March 13, 2023 Ooooh Tractors ! I have got a couple of Majors, with leaky liners, so I feel your pain ! Stitching is quite expensive, unless you can get the guys at Car SOS to do it for nothing. IMO, I also think you would be better off finding a used cylinder block or engine, unless there is a compelling reason not to, and I can't think of one, or are you an originality freak ? But as I see that you have the incorrect grease nipples fitted for that year, I guess not ! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muddy Posted March 13, 2023 Author Share Posted March 13, 2023 No not particularly bothered about originality, only the block, fuel pump/timing cover and cam are original anyway. I would consider another block howerer having just top hatted and completely rebuilt this one in the last 7 days to get it ready for the run id quite like not to tear it in bits too soon! I don't think id feel too confident in the stitching not just putting the side of the block through. Ultimately I know the block is scrap however unless I trip over one for £50 that's good I'm loathed to throw more time/money into something that ultimately kind of works as it is... also the man who rebuilt the injectors has the 6 cylinder version of the engine looking for a new home.... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muddy Posted March 13, 2023 Author Share Posted March 13, 2023 2 hours ago, smallfry said: But as I see that you have the incorrect grease nipples fitted for that year, I guess not ! In the hubs? What year would you put it at? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landroversforever Posted March 13, 2023 Share Posted March 13, 2023 Who did the repair? Are they used to doing that kind of repair? Cracking worse sounds like it was cooled too quickly? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muddy Posted March 13, 2023 Author Share Posted March 13, 2023 A good friend of mine with an engineering and welding business, I wouldn't know too many people who could do a better job let's put it that way. It cracked whilst the tiger torch was still up the bores so not exactly cold 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stellaghost Posted March 13, 2023 Share Posted March 13, 2023 14 minutes ago, muddy said: A good friend of mine with an engineering and welding business, I wouldn't know too many people who could do a better job let's put it that way. It cracked whilst the tiger torch was still up the bores so not exactly cold That's unfortunate, hope my diff case welding fair's better....... Regards Stephen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smallfry Posted March 13, 2023 Share Posted March 13, 2023 1 hour ago, muddy said: In the hubs? What year would you put it at? In the drag link. What year ? I am not Dexta expert.com but the blue mudguards....... I will guess at 1962. Main problem I see with block stitching, and to a lesser extent, welding, is that the block itself is structural to some degree, and that would worry me. Six pot conversion is tempting though. I went down this road a bit, but that turned sour due to the engine being partially seized. I did not go further because of the costs, and also concluded that unless you are into tractor pulling competition, exceeding the design parameters in this way, only achieves using the fuel up quicker. Might still do it though, although it would be a lot easier with the Dexta. Keep an eye on Facebook Marketplace. I am always amazed what turns up there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nonimouse Posted March 14, 2023 Share Posted March 14, 2023 12 hours ago, muddy said: also the man who rebuilt the injectors has the 6 cylinder version of the engine looking for a new home.... And there's the answer! A ploughing match friend has a dexta with a Perkins P6 fitted. Lovely tractor, lovely conversion. Mind, he's also got a B414 IH with a P6 fitted, converted to 4 wheel drive and an LR series front axle fitted....and the draw bar is adjustable using worms form an old Massey trailed dung spreader. He's somewhat competetive 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Escape Posted March 14, 2023 Share Posted March 14, 2023 Lovely convoy! I remember a good mate that is also into tractors (and got me to buy a Deutz D4005 a few years ago) had a similar problem with a crack in the block, I think on an Allis Chalmers. He got it fixed reliably by stitching and brazing it himself. He is a pretty good welder. I could ask for details, any excuse to talk about tractors will be welcomed I'm sure. 🙂 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post muddy Posted March 14, 2023 Author Popular Post Share Posted March 14, 2023 Ok so a small update, block cleaned up, part drilled and tapped for some dowls to try and stop it flexing and then we are going to pool braze over the top. And a quick picture from the start of the run, it doesn't really do it justice but a convoy of 380 is mad when you are on one side of a valley and you can see it snaking its was across the other side miles away. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gazzar Posted March 14, 2023 Share Posted March 14, 2023 Is this one of those times you should drill into the end of the crack to stop it spreading further? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nonimouse Posted March 14, 2023 Share Posted March 14, 2023 Crack as small as that, I'd be tempted to JB Weld/Belzona it again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve b Posted March 15, 2023 Share Posted March 15, 2023 There's a lot of John Deere tractors in that pic! Is the £ the amount raised for the chosen charity? Steve 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vulcan bomber Posted March 15, 2023 Share Posted March 15, 2023 Preheat the block, then TIG braze with Silicone Bronze. Have a look on YouTube for John Mills/doubleboost he does a fair amount of it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reb78 Posted March 15, 2023 Share Posted March 15, 2023 (edited) 1 hour ago, vulcan bomber said: Preheat the block, then TIG braze with Silicone Bronze. Have a look on YouTube for John Mills/doubleboost he does a fair amount of it. He is also on the mig welding forum if you want to ask him for advice - https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/members/doubleboost.22416/#latest-activity Edited March 15, 2023 by reb78 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muddy Posted March 15, 2023 Author Share Posted March 15, 2023 9 hours ago, steve b said: There's a lot of John Deere tractors in that pic! Is the £ the amount raised for the chosen charity? Steve Yes total amount on the day for Yorkshire air ambulance. Local dealer where I used to work is John Deere so they have a fairly big presence in the area as you can see! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve b Posted March 15, 2023 Share Posted March 15, 2023 What a great day that must have been. JD make some very HD stuff, several around here too. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muddy Posted March 26, 2023 Author Share Posted March 26, 2023 Small update, attempt two at brazing most definitely unsuccessful, holes were drilled and tapped, grub screws put in and peened over before starting. Not sure what's in the cast but it will not take to anything and loves to pop and bang just when you think you have a nice pool. You can actually watch the cracks growing as you are welding despite pre heat. The only thing I can say is after smashing the living bejesus out of it this morning with a hammer to the point where you can watch the cracks 'poof' dust out it seems the sidewall is stronger than I thought and id definitely have a go at cold stitching were I to end up in this position again. I dare say if you were able to put the bare block in an oven and get it properly warm you might stand half a chance however that's just not practiacal in this situation. I guess I better start looking for a new block. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L19MUD Posted March 26, 2023 Share Posted March 26, 2023 50 minutes ago, muddy said: Small update, attempt two at brazing most definitely unsuccessful, holes were drilled and tapped, grub screws put in and peened over before starting. Not sure what's in the cast but it will not take to anything and loves to pop and bang just when you think you have a nice pool. You can actually watch the cracks growing as you are welding despite pre heat. The only thing I can say is after smashing the living bejesus out of it this morning with a hammer to the point where you can watch the cracks 'poof' dust out it seems the sidewall is stronger than I thought and id definitely have a go at cold stitching were I to end up in this position again. I dare say if you were able to put the bare block in an oven and get it properly warm you might stand half a chance however that's just not practiacal in this situation. I guess I better start looking for a new block. Not good news but loving the way to get the engine on its side! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gazzar Posted March 26, 2023 Share Posted March 26, 2023 And fair dues to you for reporting back the lack of success. I wonder was it repaired before? Totally stupid suggestion: grind it flat and screw a 10mm plate to it? With a gasket and stop leak, it might work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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