Might be a good idea to post this on the lightning forums as well, as every lightning has these blocks from 1993 1/2 to 95.

 

What causes them? Have you ever actually seen a failure from these cracks?

 

No idea what causes them, its odd because the roller 302 has the same design and I do not see the cracking like the 351.

I haven't had any failures, but if a guy wants to chance it and throw 600-700 hp through the block and twist it up, I guarantee the crack will run

 

This is great news for me thanks Woody!:shakehead

 

What years have the f4te?

 

1993.5-1997

 

Isn't it all the 351 Roller blocks? Making me scared. Is it possible to see the crack with the cam bearings installed? I was already planning for a Dart block over this next winter.

 

Cam bearing has to be out to see the crack

 

Damn...glad i didnt buy that used 387ci stroker f4te short block lol. Thanks for the find and the info. I wonder if the NON roller blocks will be affected if converted to roller?

 

I figured I would post it as an FYI, dont mean to create mass hysteria guys. Deep breath.

 

lol....sorry im a little light headed after moving a 5.0off a trailer with no engine hoist.

 

Good thing I still had my bare block for my 408 still on the stand for prep. Thanks for the heads up!

 

so a motor with lower hp should be safe?

 

No idea, run at your own risk

 

Great call Woody!

 

Just out of curiocity Woody- Is there anything you can do to further prevent a good block from cracking in this area? I figure the cam journals are hard to get to for chamfering...?

 

Not that I am aware of

 

My block is from a 93, not sure if lightning or not. I did a full inspection before assembling mine and found no cracks. Fingers crossed mine doesnt crack.

 

If its a roller block, regardless what it was from its suspect.

 

So under 600 hp should be alright?????

 

Cant and wont say, use at your own peril. I give them to my scrap guy, I cant and wont chance it for my customers.

Look at it this way, the crack developed with 200hp

 

What are the chances that a block without the crack will develope the crack when rebuilt to double or even tripple the 200hp that some are developing cracks at?

Does this concern you when sending out engines that you know will be up in that power range?

Thanks!

 

Hey Woody, what blocks are you using for your 408-418 strokers?

 

F4 or Early cores.

 

No it doesnt concern me, if these block that have 100k miles on them dont already have the crack, they wont develop them IMO. I believe the crack is a result of the environment in which these engines are used. Buses, trucks, vans etc.. How many hired drivers simply just keep driving them when the temp gauge is pegged? Once it overheats and wont run then they pull it over call a tow truck.

 

Woody - in post 23 you said you give them to your scrap guy. Yet in post 25 you responded to a question about what blocks you use to build strokers, and you said "F4 or earlier". Are you saying you still use these blocks and only send the cracked ones to your scraper?

Your post came just in time for me. My F4TE was at the machine shop getting freshened up for my 408. I mentioned this issue and asked them to inspect this area thoroughly. Thanks Woody.

I agree with your analysis - drivers of "fleet/work" vehicles abuse them.

 

Interesting. Never ran into a problem with one but it's something I'll sure check for from now on.

 

Yes I give the cracked ones to my scrap guy, the non cracked ones I use, like any other stock block. I see more of these blocks than 99% of guys in there entire lifetime, so it took a bit to see a pattern form.

 

Cracked F4TE

Well, I got the bad news today from the machine shop my F4TE block is cracked exactly like the pictures Woody posted.

I am pretty sure the engine was in a farm truck that was abused. Hopefully I can find a good F4TE, older core, or maybe a Ford Racing 351W Sportsman block.

 

Well sh*t. I just put my engine together and back in the truck....What to do what to do

 

Run it till it blows up. Enjoy it while it lasts. C'est la vie!