ken.fresno-tdi
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2006
- Location
- Fresno, CA
- TDI
- 95 Eurovan EVC camper with 98 AHU engine (VeganVan02); 01 Jetta ALH engine and parts - waiting for transplant into 97 Eurovan (VeganVan03);05 BEW Beetle
Well, I've got a real problem. I bought a 97 Passat TDI with only 58,000 miles sight unseen from an auto auction a few months ago. I soon found the 5 speed transmission to have serious problems, so I found a new (used) one to replace it. I thought I was in the clear. When I was replacing the tranny, I got way under the car and found 'The Crack.' There is a crack in the block where the engine and tranny meet on the very bottom of the engine. The previous owner tried to 'fix' it with some JB weld. Perhaps it held up for a while, but I am not planning to continue with that 'fix'. So I am now in a quandry. I have a good car with otherwise very low miles, but with a bad block. I really don't have 2 or 3k for a new block, plus the rebuild time. I am wondering about the option of welding the crack. I know it is not ideal, but I am wondering if it is even an option. If I remove the pan, is it possible to weld something like this? The block is intact - i.e., the crack does not leak oil or water. The crack is on the corner of the flange where the bolt that connects the engine to the transmission is located. I posted a picture at:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/ken_fran/album?.dir=/1c22scd&.src=ph&.tok=ph4BsLFBF0MzNtoY
What to do? Can anyone lift my spirits, or am I destined to have a failed B4 in my garage for months to come?
Ken
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/ken_fran/album?.dir=/1c22scd&.src=ph&.tok=ph4BsLFBF0MzNtoY
What to do? Can anyone lift my spirits, or am I destined to have a failed B4 in my garage for months to come?
Ken