Anyone successfully patched a cracked engine block ear?

[Hnewman144]

Has anyone ever successfully patched the notorious cracked engine block ear the Cubs tend to have? I'm going to call around a few places Monday and check on used blocks. But worst case scenario I was wondering if it has ever been done. Welded with Nichol rod? Or patched with Sonic weld? I fear a used block is going to be out of the price range for me right now, maybe I'm wrong.

[john2189]

I bought a 49 two years ago that the front axle was broken off,had to buy the bolster,radiator and of coarse the ear was broken off. I welded it back on with cast iron rod and installed a set of engine braces I bought from Rick several years ago that I put on my other 49 that wasn’t broke for protection. Anyway it is still good. I don’t think I’d use the snow plow or sickle mower. I do have a Woods 59 on it and it is doing fine.

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

John, I think you would be safe with the snowplow. The rear force is applied to the torque tube, the only force applied to the front is holding it in place while you lift it. Most of the force while lifting force is applied to the front axles via the bolster.

[Jim Becker]

Depends on what you mean by success. Yes, they have been welded, brazed, and otherwise patched. Are the repairs as strong as the original? Never. Since the original broke, where does a patch leave you?

I would not put a lot of money (like an overhaul) into an engine with a cracked (or repaired) block. If it currently runs OK, I'd add a brace and use it. Several options on reinforcing have been created. Pick one depending on how you will use the tractor. Lombard's chain and turnbuckle reinforcement is a simple approach that should be adequate for some usage.

[Rob in NH]

There is a way to do it, i think its called lock and stitch. I've watched some video's on it and its been done on other things with some good results

[BIGHOSS]

This was brazed on my dad's 1947 at least 60 years ago. Notice the stitching method of "stacked dimes" in the fillet. Also, the brazed fillet was as made as large as possible and still clear the hole for the lower water tube.
In those days the good welders were masters at brazing which I am afraid has become a lost art. You would be hard pressed to find someone today with that skill set. Don't know how strong it is compared to a newer block, but so far no cracks as of now.

[BIGHOSS]

More brazing on same cub front bolster. Just battle scars!

[jsfarmall]

As far as finding an engine block the best deal I know is from jp salvage. Machine shop checked n all.

[john2189]

John, I’ll keep the 59 woods on it,it does fine for that.

Jim, I’d never put money in that block ,I’d look for another engine

[Hnewman144]

Jp salvage has blocks that are machined, magnafluxed, and pressure checked, and comes with the cam and pistons and rings to fit for $495 thats pretty hard to beat. It's almost a short block minus the crank and rods. Even comes with the ground valves and lifters. So I'm thinking I'll end up doing that since I plan to restore the tractor and keep.

[Ken (48 Cub)]

Yep the JP short block is the way to go. Block is bored .40 over and includes pistons and rings. I have gone this route in both of my refreshes and am very happy. I don't know if he can have one ready by Cubarama though. Give John a call and find out.

[BigBill]

I could weld it but,,,,, I would drill and counterbore the bolt holes for Allen screws. Then chamfer the mating cracks. Put enough cast iron rod in the chamfer. The certainium alloys and research company castiron arc rod
will weld dissimilar metals I have welded steel to castiron. So the weld will go right over the bolts connecting everything if need be,

[mozer71]

You are super BigBill . This thread has opened important topic. Allis Chalmers also, broken ears also and a great friend who welded ears back. It is easy to say but there is proof. He found similar iron/steel and shaped it. Chamfer yes and certain precautions. Welded that baby right up with Ni. There was more to it than that..Lots more but dang, it is something to behold. Freakin heat and welding.

[BigBill]

My job with the engineering group gave all the chances to gain hands on experience.

We had a new motor design that was twisting. I welded steel gussets in the cast iron housing. They machined the rough casting. We saved time in recasting the changes and went right to testing. She passes. The rep from the motor company came to meet me.

[BigBill]

It’s good to pre heat with a torch once everything is setup to weld. Mainly to burn the oils off first.