Cracked Block
- Thread starter Last Mohecian
- Start date
Last Mohecian
Administrator
After lots of research and a few phone calls, I decide to go with the stitching pins. I talked to Gary (the owner) at length about his product and the repair I need to make. I am convinced this is the way I want to go. It is a little pricey. I spent $125 for all the materials needed for the repair. That got me 25 stitching pins, 2 drill bits, tap, tapping fluid and pin sealant. Gary says that will be more than enough pins to repair a crack of this length. If I ever need to make another one of these repairs all I will need is more pins. They are ~$35 per 25. I know this seems like overkill for this repair. I look at it as a chance to learn a new technique and considering what I have already spent on this boat $125 is a drop in the bucket.
Last Mohecian
Administrator
Patchman said:
I have heard success stories about welding but I have also heard horror stories. It seems like once you start down that path if it goes wrong you are screwed. At least this way I may have other options if it goes awry.
Last Mohecian
Administrator
FedEx just arrived with my kit. Tracking said it would not be here until Monday. I'll post some pics later. jump.gif
hillbilly68
New member
Devilman said:
been there done that..... :smile17:, ive did it to 2 blocks and it worked great as long as you drill a divot at each end of the crack to keep it from continuing, its only a water jacket in a jet boat so there's no pressure whats so ever on it, water comes in one side and goes out the other........... think.gif
Last Mohecian
Administrator
Everything looks to be very high quality. Packaged very well. The fluid bottles have foil seals. The tap says "Made in USA". These are all quality pieces. Here is a couple of pics. I'll take more pics of the process as I get going on the repair. The instructions and product information are very good. I have not viewed the "How To" DVD yet.
(Clickable thumbs)
(Clickable thumbs)
Last Mohecian
Administrator
Just finished watching the DVD. This is a no brainier. If you can drill and tap a hole you can perform this repair with this method. I am convinced I made the right choice. While other cheaper methods may have worked, I will have 100% confidence that this block when I am done. Not to mention I am supporting an American company with American made products.
Last Mohecian
Administrator
The bits and tap are very sharp and work very well. The process is pretty basic. I started by using a sharpie to mark the crack and the ends of the crack so I could see it easier. Drill a hole starting about the width of one lock past the end of the crack. Tap the hole. Coat the pin with sealant and screw it in until it snaps. Grind the pin down to a little above the surface of the block. Drill the next hole overlapping the previous pin anywhere between 10% and 80%. Tap the hole, apply sealant, screw the next pin in until it snaps, grind it down. Repeat, Repeat, Repeat....
The only thing that is a little tricky is the pins are longer than the block is thick. This makes it it little harder to drill the holes after the first one. You need to keep the drill straight and cut into the previous pin past the thickness of the block so you can tap the next hole straight and get the next pin in straight. It's not that hard Just takes a little patience.
I got 4 or 5 pins in tonight and stopped to eat dinner. I'll finish it up tomorrow.
The only thing that is a little tricky is the pins are longer than the block is thick. This makes it it little harder to drill the holes after the first one. You need to keep the drill straight and cut into the previous pin past the thickness of the block so you can tap the next hole straight and get the next pin in straight. It's not that hard Just takes a little patience.
I got 4 or 5 pins in tonight and stopped to eat dinner. I'll finish it up tomorrow.
blazeracer
New member
JYBTX19 said:
I'm thinking it comes in a kit with at least two jigs.
Last Mohecian
Administrator
JYBTX19 said:
I believe the jig is around $125. I am not sure the exact cost though. I am using the "one at a time" method so I did not need it. Since this crack was caused by freezing, there is no need for any locks either. You only need the locks in a repair where normal stresses caused the crack. This block will never see that type of stress in this area again (unless I let it freeze again).
If you were doing several repairs or wanting to offer this as a service you would definitely want the jig. I can see where it would speed the process up significantly.
FYI, There are also aluminum pins for those cracked aluminum parts.
Last Mohecian
Administrator
So here is the final on the Lock-N-Stitch repair. I have no doubt this is a permanent repair. I would have total confidence doing this type of repair again. You can bet if I ever need do it again, I will inspect the project completely first. LOL. If you didn't see it, I discovered another unrelated issue with the block that was a game changer. http://www.texashotboats.com/forums/index.php?topic=11815.0
Basically I finish putting the pins in. Ground them down. Hit it with a zip disk to level it out. Hit it with a needle scaller to texture it. Painted it. If the light hits it just right like in the pics you can see where the repair was done. To the naked eye it is less noticeable. I am confident with a little more care with the grinder and scaller this repair could be completely undetectable once painted.
Basically I finish putting the pins in. Ground them down. Hit it with a zip disk to level it out. Hit it with a needle scaller to texture it. Painted it. If the light hits it just right like in the pics you can see where the repair was done. To the naked eye it is less noticeable. I am confident with a little more care with the grinder and scaller this repair could be completely undetectable once painted.
blazeracer
New member
Man, that's a pretty impressive repair Matt. Too bad about the other injury on the block. But like you said, it is what is is and at least you got some valuable out of it.
Might ought to go into the fixing block cracks business once all those rich guys drop their non winterized twin engine boats in the water next month....
VooDoo...
Might ought to go into the fixing block cracks business once all those rich guys drop their non winterized twin engine boats in the water next month....
VooDoo...