Checking out a crack in the cylinder wall with the magna-flux, saw one further down at the bottom where it looked like some bubble gum welding. After grinding and removing the ‘plug’ lo and behold.! I have a couple doner blocks for a piece to weld back correctly (will have a sleeve anyway). Just didn’t expect this. The rod caught the other cylinder also but no plugs reinstalled.

Looks like it would be an easy repair for someone competent at working with cast iron. It would not bother me to run it after a repair.

Feel the same, just not sure if I should attempt it myself. I’ve never backed away from trying stuff but this block HAS to be the one I use. I also don’t know of anyone within a thousand mile radius to do it either. Any great welders in the Va area?

Is there any H.D. diesel repair shops close to you? If so take it there and see if they can help you
That is how I found out about a cast iron welding shop in SO CA years ago
How far is Bob George racing from you? Maybe they can help you also

You’re 600 from me, there isn’t a welder here that does all the farm country diesel repairs, he has done street Hemi manifold repair for men and I have one Hemi block going to him shortly. Every time I have visited I have seen all kinds of gas performance blocks besides all the diesel stuff.

Maybe contact Jody Collier, from Welding Tips and Tricks. I seem to remember he’s in the Atlanta area.

I had already talked to someone at Bob’s (I think you gave me the number from another post) about sleeving, boring, decking and line honing before I found this. Tried to call back a couple times but his mail box is full.