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How can you fix an aluminum engine block?

It looks like I’m paying the consequences for letting my engine overheat too much, because now my engine block is developing some pretty serious cracks. How can you fix an aluminum engine block?

avatar
Melanie Mergen · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Mistakes happen—sorry to hear about this damage to your engine block. You can fix an aluminum engine block with various methods, depending on the severity of the problem.
For minor cracks, epoxy and patching tools from auto parts stores can offer temporary solutions, as well as repair plugs.
It sounds like your engine block’s cracking is pretty substantial, so you’ll probably want to have a
mechanic
evaluate the damage right away.
It’s also worth noting that due to its lower melting point, welding aluminum to fix an engine block crack generally isn’t a good idea without experience.
Be warned: fixing an engine block with cracks can be very costly. Repair costs can range from $1,500 to $4,000 or more in some cases. Sometimes it’s actually more cost-effective to replace your engine block or even your car itself if the repair cost exceeds its value.
If you have a trusted mechanic check out your engine block, they should be able to give you a repair estimate so you can decide what you want to do next.
As you take care of your car’s repairs, make sure your
car insurance
is still taking care of you. Insurance broker app
Jerry
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