Really bad afternoon - hole in block

Well this afternoon I decided to pull the plugs on my new project and see if I could get it spinning again. After pulling all the plugs and realizing the engine still would not turn over I decided to pull the oil pan and pull the rod caps. I had planned a full rebuild anyway. Thats when my afternon got bad. What I found was a big hole above the oilpan in the block on the drivers side of the engine. I pulled the pan and the rest of the rods all look good. this one appears to have lost the cap and went thru.

So now what. I see that buick and jeep both had these engines. My question is how easy will it be to find another block out there for this ? Is it possible, is it economically worth it, or should i just plop a 4 banger in it.

I read some on the engine, but not really sure what I am looking for.

JAS

btw...now i need a better excuse for the mrs. to leave it in the garage...

 

The more I read I find alot of the 231 engines. Is it posible to use a block from one of these newer units and use my crank and stuff from the 225 ? By the sounds of it the newer 231 isn't as durable as the 225.

jas

 

This guy had a brand new 225 short block for sale still in the crate that he got with a, I beleive a 70 cj from an original owner. He had it on ebay for $850.00. It didnt sell. He is in Morgan Hill, California. He claims its brand new from the factory and never used. If it is still sealed properly it might be a good buy for you. Here is the link. You could try contacting him.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...d=1,1&item=8002663086&sspagename=STRK:MEWA:IT

 

was the issue with the block or the seller?

 

Why would you think the 231 is less durable? The odd-fire 231s were just 225s with a 0.05 larger bore, as I understand it. I'm sure that GM would have changed the casting core so the cylinder walls were the same thickness as the 225. Maybe an even-fire crank is weaker? I don't think that's an issue - it's a very short crank.

 

There is a complete CJ5 225V6 rolling drivetrain w/ frame in Kingston NY for $125. Don't know where you are though. You should update profile as you get more responses if someone is close.

 

Where are you located? I have a couple blocks that I am begging to get rid of.
http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18356

 

There is no strength difference between the odd fire and even fire engines. There is some falderal belief that because the even fire uses a splayed crank it is weaker. That's garbage. Crank aside, the wrist pins or con rods would go before the crank all things being equal. The even fire is a good motor that suffers from the same advantages and short comings of an odd fire. The odd fires sound cooler IMHO, especially in a Jeep, but either will work fine. The nice thing about the 225 that comes in Jeeps is they use a very heavy flywheel which is great on the trail as the extra mass increases the inertia at low speed so reduces the chance of stalling at low rpm. If you can't find an odd fire motor you can have your heavy flywheel balanced to match an even fire motor. Nickmil.

 

Syracuse, NY guys...

Thanks for all the help. Now all I have to hope is the wife doensn't find out I bought a bum truck...

jas

 

West Monroe? I used to live in Pennellville, and we had friends in Constantia, Central Square, Brewerton, and I think Little France. Travelled a lot in that area, some great motorcycling roads except for the deer.

Sounds like you've got some blocks to choose from, now just go get one. Go get the one in Kingston, and check out the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome while you're there. You won't regret it if you like old airplanes.

 

Will do on a block...just need to get a free day now....

Then you must be aware of Happy Valley. What a place...this is what I want my jeep for....

JAS

 

Well I had to look up falderal. Next time we play scrabble I can throw that one down!!
I can't prove it, but it sure seems like those that run the splayed crank even-fire 231's have more problems with the rod bearings. I always thought it was an oiling issue that you just don't have with the odd-fire design. Correct me if I am wrong.

 

Not familiar with Happy Valley, I take it that's a good place for wheeling? Where is it? It was a lotta years ago when I lived there, didn't have a 4wd back then, damn sure needed one in the winter though. Y'all get WAY too much snow!

 

Yer talking about two different things when talking about rod bearing/oiling issues and crank strength! Reason most even fires have oil issues is from lack of regular maintenance. Remember, most of these engines came in "economy" type cars or cars that were waaayyyy too heavy and overworked the engines all the time. The economy car issue is a maintenance issue. How many people on a budget driving something like a chev Monza, etc really changed the oil at an appropriate interval or used a decent quality oil and filter? Many of these engines also came in larger GM cars, and while the engines would move them around just fine, inevitably it would take it's toll on a small engine and wear them out rapidly. Especially since they came out during the time the factory was putting in 2.73-1 rear diff in those cars in an effort to meet CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards for fuel economy to keep from being fined millions of dollars. The odd fire oiling design I feel is better, but with proper maintenance the even fire engine holds up just hunky dory, especially in a Jeep that weighs in at less than 3,000 lbs.
Another thing, The odd fire was primarily used in Jeeps which don't normally see stop and go traffic, traffic jams, etc. which also takes it toll on engines. Most of the even fire engines in cars see that on a regular basis, so the conditions of the comparison are totally different also.
Nickmil.

 

You make some good points.:stout: