Machine shops say they can't check my block for cracks...?

[ChesterKV]

So I've gone to several engine machine shops and they all tell me they only check for cracks in the heads and aren't set up to do so for a short block. They all say the same thing, 'it's VERY rare that a block will have cracks." So I then say, "but can you guarantee that it doesn't?" and all I get are blank stares.

Am I asking too much? I don't think so.

Anyone know of a machine shop in the S.F. Bay Area that can check my block for cracks?

Can I do it in my garage with available chemicals?

Thanks in advance,

Chester

[Legacy777]

Is there any specific reason you want to check the block for cracks?

I would tend to agree with the shop, that it is very rare for the block to have cracks.

As for do-it-yourself tests. You can try and get some UV dye penetrant or similar.

Here's something a quick google search showed up.

http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/produc ... RecId=1207

[ChesterKV]

Is there any specific reason you want to check the block for cracks?

I would tend to agree with the shop, that it is very rare for the block to have cracks.

As for do-it-yourself tests. You can try and get some UV dye penetrant or similar.

Here's something a quick google search showed up.

http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/produc ... RecId=1207

Hmmm,

Interesting. I just spoke on the phone with a mechanic I know and he also confirmed what you and the machinists are all saying............. blocks almost never develop cracks. So perhaps I'll just let this go....



- Chester