When you get in the ring with a serious contender , you know that you're going to be hit.
You can still win the fight.
I've had parallel experiences , though not at this price or power level.
But the bruises to the psyche sure seem to last.
I hope it isn't too severe , or difficult to pin down.

I'm so sorry Jeff, this is brutal. I hope it's a relatively easy repair and you're only out time.

I had 5 major experiences like this right in a row. Its tough getting past one when you have that much time and mental work into it. It just shows you one small thing can have a effect on the whole project. Birdtracker

Update: After running the engine on the dyno for only a couple minutes, we found water in the oil. Pulled the engine off the dyno right away, and once it was back in my garage, I pressure tested the cooling system, and immediately found the leak. The water was coming from in between the block casting, and sleeve. A good friend helped me tear everything down, so I could get the block back to the machinist right away. Once it was back at his shop we discussed what happened, and where to go from there. He called this last Saturday, and said he has the sleeve out and pressure tested the block, and found a crack at the bottom of the bore. Today, I brought the block home, and prepared the block to be welded tomorrow, and then I bring the block back, to have the sleeve reinstalled.
Before anyone goes off, I’m not blaming anyone. Sh!t happens. This was a used, damaged block, that I bought extremely cheap. I have less into this thing than the fully prepared 400 block I had done nearly 20 years ago. It’s just the risk you take. It’s being taken care of. Time to move forward.

I try to make the best of all my experiences, if I don't have the bad ones now and then I don't really enjoy the good one.
Sounds like you have a bunch of good times in front of you

Good luck with it Jeff!

You have to take the not so good experiences in stride. For myself, it makes me learn about the problem, and how to go about fixing it. A couple years ago, I was having an issue with my Jerico trans. and was getting ready to load the car up in the trailer, when the racer next to me came walking over. He said, "It sucks having stuff go wrong, but do you see all these people walking into the gate, and into the stands? They wish they could be doing what you're doing now, instead of being a spectator. You'll get it fixed, and be back out again."

And Jeff. That fella was right! You have the knowledge and desire to get it fixed and be back out there! I have not been down the track in my car in ten years and it sits in my garage. I can't even bring myself to go spectate anymore. I will watch for updates on your progress and I wish you nothing but the best! Good luck Jeff!

Glad it is moving forward again, and I look forward to seeing you in September if Joel gets his car finished.

This was a Jedi mind trick! Either way you are in a good state of mind! Thanks for sharing the ups and downs, it makes the report more real and helps everyone put into perspective all the crap that happens behind the scenes, maybe it inspires us. Best wishes.

I think Joel will have been to the track at LEAST a half dozen times by the time Drag Week rolls around. Everything should be sorted out, and proven.

I feel like Joel typed that. lol

Older Indy blocks are notorious for leaking there. The material there is almost tin foil thickness in many spots. FWIW a partial fill might be a good thing to consider. Been down this road many times.

I resemble that remark! Birdtracker

It's over a 1/4' thick there. Just happens to be where the rod broke. At first it didn't look like much damage there. It is going to get a partial fill, just to help stabilize things more.

Block is welded, and turned out nice. It will be back at the machinists, less than 2 hours from me typing this. We pressure tested it, and the leak is gone. It just needs to be machined, and drop in a new sleeve, and I can put it all back together.

here is the best block filler I have found now. Its a synthetic. https://www.competitionproducts.com...ler-25-lbs/productinfo/ROK/#.Ys81soTMLIV

Birdtracker

on the rock block, best stuff out there.


Jeff that's great news! I hope you got your motorvation back. Now I better get busy so I don't lose another bet.

Thank you for that. Got it on order.

When Al and I filled mine, I got 2 clean buckets, a electric drill and a heavy duty paint stir tool , and a clean funnel. Measured everything out , got the first side level both ways then stirred really good. It took a person to hold the funnel while I poured. Went lots better with 2 people. Birdtracker

Make sure the core plugs are in before you pour! Don't ask me how I know.