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OK so this is the question. When I got 48 Custom 8 it's engine only had 23k on it. But after sitting in a warehouse for 50 years without attention.... Well you know what happened. It has a 12 to 16 inch crack above the freeze plugs. I didn't see this till I got it running and then after the engine warmed up. WOW the water worked started. Dam it ran like a brand new car. So what would you do with the old engine? I found another and had it put in. So what I have done is taken off all the parts I can get to ( a few more to go) and it is just sitting in my barn. Junk it or save it? Thanks John

I'm not sure I fully understand this. You're saying you basically have an engine with cracks making it unusable but otherwise is OK for parts?

If so, I'd keep it....when you have an old car it's really just a matter of time until you need something...and/or I'd make the other, usable parts available for other collectors...we tend to take care of each other...if you junk it, it's gone..forever.

I have a 356 out of a 1940 that threw a rod through the block. I just couldn't junk it. I have it stored. I'm thinking of making it into a coffee table for the shop. Any other ideas?

What have done is scavenged all the parts off the block and have them safe. I just don't want to trash that block if some could use it. I know people that have threaded and welded cracks in blocks and had good results.

J-B Weld!

Lol 12 to 16 inches ha it'll never work

Dear JSA:

Okay, you will never get another motor that runs as good as what you have.

The thing to do is determine if your problem is only external.

Don't use the pressure cap and put some top drawer block sealer in it.

If it doesn't have internal cracks then you can repair/weld the outside and run a zero psi raditor cap.

Good luck with your car.