cracked block

My 64 GMC has a 250 probably from the mid 70's in it from the block #. My mechanic called and gave me the bad news about a cracked block . Have had a difficult time finding a replacement block. What other engines will fit in first gen dog house . Just rebuilt the head , carburetor, but dose'nt look like i will be able to find a block . the crack in on the front of the block right by water pump.

any one have any ideas or suggestion have tried every junk yard in the area no luck so far.

WOW, that bites. Have you tried running a add or cragislist looking for a motor, that's what I do and usually the something pops up. Bob

I bet you can find Straight Sixes on CL or eBay... many Straight-Six-to-SBC V8s have been done, not because the engine was bad, but because owner wanted a V8.

haven't looked on cl , but there are a few on ebay, but block numbers don't match. wasn't sure if head would fit on a block that didn't match original numbers. would not mind a small block v8, just not sure what will bolt directly up to what i have and will fit in the dog house.

Ok sad news - yet -ill ask - is there water in the oil??=there some fixes available - just need to know what is the problem=?? Just water leaking out?? any fotos of the area??-let us know. Many of the new mechanics dont know the things us old Guys do - we used to never change out a block until it was really cracked -or- pieces of it blown out. ive saved many marine engines that had an external crack/s-with no water in the oil.

it did have exhaust gas in the radiator. the first cylinder was visibly cleaner than the others , from the water getting in i gess. But i did not see any water in the oil, it wasn't frothy or bubbles on the dipstick. didn't change the oil wasn't driven enough since i bought it for that.
the crack is on the front left hand side going from the front of the block all the way to the cylinder .

ok = if the 1 cylinder is cracked?? seems thats what ur saying- get that cylinder sleved by a machine shop- and dont let anyone tell you it will effect the balancing of the enbine- likely will need a new piston & rings set & a teardown of motor will be needed-yet maybe just crankshaft & the 1 nrod & piston - go to a machine shop & ask them-get a cost figure - Thats possibly some work u can do ur self @ home -Then all back together again. I did my olds 4 cyl block same way due to crack in cylinder - lots cheaper than a new rebuild engine

will have to look in to that, sounds like it will be easier than finding a replacement block.

straight 6's are plentiful. 230 or 250 will bolt in. rebuildables are free to 75.00. running motors are available for less than 300.00 and going price is 150.00 for a running, usable 250.

I also would just look for a good used 230, 250. Made them for years and years alot of them out there. Sounds like it would cost way more to fix what you have

will keep looking, haven't found any yet locally. Have tried most of the junk yards around

Put a ad on craigslist Wanting to buy a 230-250

just looked on memphis craigslist under autoparts. typed in chevy 250. ad for 250 from 68 camaro runs and uses no oil, $300.00. posting id #2506039874

Here's one......

1971- INLINE 6CYL,STOCK NO. #AB39404 #AB394 $400

Wright's Auto Parts LLC #2 USA-TN(Gates) 731-836-5199/1-877-836-5159

looks like I will be using the internet for a constructive purpose. Doesn't feel right but at least will get my van running. thanks everybody

I love it when a plan comes together!

Hey Syborg, You still looking for a 6 cyl block? A friend gave me one a couple of months ago when I needed a balancer...the engine is complete and I believe the block is good. I'm in Randolph, just north of Memphis. PM me if you're still looking. Matt
(Is your 64 the white one sitting @ Protec in Atoka??)

Still looking for a 250? This one showed up on Jackson TN craigslist today.

http://jacksontn.craigslist.org/pts/2529413953.html

Duane in Tennessee

If you get this one don't use the nova mounts. I did on my 64 and had to pull it back out & switch back to the van ones.

hi Farmer , yes that's me sitting at pro teck, if you are interested in selling that 250 , just let me know

Syborg, I still have it. I believe it's a good one. You'll have to pull it apart to check it.
Price $, na. I'll trade you for your bad one when it's all finished..you just have to pay it forward to another vanner.
Hopefully we'll get you running real soon. I'll send you a PM with my numbers so we can work out the details.
Matt