I’ve got a 2000 VW Jetta 1.8T manual. Just before Christmas my mechanic, searching for the source of a radiator leak discovered 3 very bad things: 1) radiator was shot; 2) heater core was too; & 3) engine block was cracked. I wasn’t ready (I’m still not) to call the salvage guys: this is the first c…

A cracked engine block can be repaired. Economics does not make this feasible though unless it’s a rare, highly desireable, and valuable engine like a 426 Hemi or something of that nature. A garden variety VW engine that allegedly has a cracked block means another engine is the best bet. Unless th…

I agree that another opinion is needed. I also think that it is worth trying JB weld as the cost to repair is relatively low, and it just might work. Is it a long term solution? No, but we’re talking a 14 year old car with unknown mileage. But it might work long enough to get a replacement vehic…

The problem with JB Weld is the repair area needs to be clean and dry. Also, in order to get the best seal, the JB Weld needs to penetrate the crack. This could mean drilling or grinding the crack to widen it enough to get the metal epoxy into the crack. Just on the surface will not guarantee a seal…

I am concerned somebody would JB weld a cracked block, and if it seemed to hold reasonably well, sell the car without disclosing what happened

Is a cracked engine block always the end? On a 14 yr. old Jetta with all those other problems the answer is a resounding YES.

I have had good luck with MIG welding the newer cast blocks. I have done Chevy V8’s and some Dodge 4 clys. The last Chevy I did over 15 years ago and it is sill going with no leaks. Its been just a plow truck for the last 8 years. Before that My Uncle put 80,000 plus on it. In your case if it is cr…

JB weld was originaly developed for farmers that saved money by not putting antifreeze in their flathead Ford equioment engines and planned to drain the water out before winter but sometimes got caught by surprise. It was used mainly on head cracks. Don’t blame the farmers too much, before ethelene…

But if the engine block is aluminum alloy . . . as many are nowadays . . . it’s not so simple From what I understand, aluminum alloy rims and engine blocks aren’t easy to weld

Actually aluminum is easy to weld. You would be surprised at how many aluminum heads and blocks had cracks in them at the factory and were welded. I used to work in a foundry that cast aluminum heads for several manufacturers. Ford was the only manufacturer that did not allow welding, all Ford he…

Is a cracked engine block always the end?

Maintenance/Repairs

Tony_Carlos January 20, 2014, 6:44am 27

I think you owe all responders some info on your maintenance practices. You’ve totaled two engines, plus a radiator and heater core if your mechanic is to be believed.
How often do you change oil? Coolant? How many miles on the car?

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Is a cracked engine block always the end?

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