pressure testing a 460 when disassembled???

I was wondering how to pressure test the cooling passages of a block while it is disassembled (bare block). I can see putting in the freeze plugs (block plugs) but what kind of plate is needed for the head surface. I can also plug the water pump connections and install a pressure fitting with a valve. But at what pressure should it be checked at???[img]/forums/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif[/img][img]/forums/images/smiles/icon_bow.gif[/img][img]/forums/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif[/img]

You cannot reasonably do it... Seriously, I know os NO machine shop that will do something like that.

Was there an issue with a cracked block before it was disassembled?



FE

_________________
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<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: FEandGoingBroke on 4/25/07 1:53am ]</font>

The machine shop pressure checked my last block but I was going to do this one on the cheap. I saw it run before I got it from the junk yard but the stain in one cyl. just looks strange and I want to make sure it is good. Maybe I should ask the machine shop how they did it or the cost of doing it.

You really should... It's a bit of a bother clamping on heads or a head plate and plugging all the holes in the engine then putting in freeze plugs and then pressure testing the block...
[addsig]

The machine shop has plates that bolt to the head surface and the front of the engine. The freeze plugs are fitted with ruber plugs and the block is pressurized to 25 psi. It is then sprayed with a soap solution that shows any leaks. It is much the same way that converters are checked for leaks, it just takes more parts. Have you had it hot tanked or cleaned?
Paul
Paul

My machine shop does NOT have those items... We have Head plates to test heads but everything else is make it and hope... It's something that's done very very rarely...



FE
P.S. Most people know before taking a block to the shop wether or not it's cracked...
[addsig]

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On 2007-04-25 16:20, FEandGoingBroke wrote:
My machine shop does NOT have those items... We have Head plates to test heads but everything else is make it and hope... It's something that's done very very rarely...



FE
P.S. Most people know before taking a block to the shop wether or not it's cracked...

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I can see where it would be less than common.
How does your shop check a block then? A lot of folks buy wrecking yard engines as cores to rebuild and they need to be checked. I know some places use magna-flux or x-ray for small parts but I think that an engine block is too complex for either of those methods.
Paul

Magna Flux it and sonic test the bores.




BTW never found a block out of an old beater that was cracked.

Also as an A&P mech, you'd play hell trying to X-ray steel or cast iron parts.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: 1 Bad 88 GT on 4/26/07 9:03am ]</font>

We magna flux what we need to but generally we don't do any checking unless the customer specifically requests it.

When we put a block on the boring block if the cyl is cracked the tone of the machine will change drastically and then we toss it and call the customer or sleeve it.

External block cracks are VERY hard to get and make so if you don't see one with the naked eye after a good hot tanking then there isn't any.

Prety simple really...

FE
[addsig]