Cracked block at Oil pressure switch

[Jetmx]

When I changed my oil filter I noticed that the top electrical part of the oill pressure switch (next to oil filter) was broken off. I bought a new one & started to change it. I got the old one off ok but when I installed the new one, it wouldnt tighten up. When I started the engine, it leaked. Upon close inspection, I noticed a 1 inch crack in the block running down the thread area. I checked around & found out there is no easy fix. It cant be welded because the block is cast. The only permanent fix is replacing the block. I need to use it so I tried using 2 part epoxy around the area & it reduced the leak to a couple of drops when running. Does anyone have any ideas what I should do short of replacing the engine? Is there any permanent epoxy fixes? The several thousand dollars quoted to replace the block may not offset the value of the vehicle. Its a 1999 4runner limited 4x4 v6 with 210k miles.

[jetwhine]

Jetmx,

You could try some JB weld. It might hold it for awhile.

[Jetmx]

Thanks for the advice. I will look into that. There is also a product called Goop that says on the box that you can use it on engine blocks. We'll see!

[TACO_KID]

it is "cast" but that doesnt mean it cant be welded. its not not cheap alumnim casting. a good TIG guy can fix it. some pics would be useful.

grinding a V in the crack and then TIG should "fix" it. maybe a grinding disc on a dremel. etc. i say TIG might fix it but depends on where that crack goes. a surface weld my crack later if the original crack exerts enough force for expanding/contracting, etc.

my advice, talk to a good TIG guy.

and dont feel so bad, my new 2010 corolla came from factory with a 2" crack in the engine block. engine was rebuilt twice since then.

[Jetmx]

Originally Posted by TACO_KID

it is "cast" but that doesnt mean it cant be welded. its not not cheap alumnim casting. a good TIG guy can fix it. some pics would be useful.

grinding a V in the crack and then TIG should "fix" it. maybe a grinding disc on a dremel. etc. i say TIG might fix it but depends on where that crack goes. a surface weld my crack later if the original crack exerts enough force for expanding/contracting, etc.

my advice, talk to a good TIG guy.

and dont feel so bad, my new 2010 corolla came from factory with a 2" crack in the engine block. engine was rebuilt twice since then.

Taco- Thanks for the advice. The welders I talked to said that it would be risky, but I will talk to more TIG welders. I'll try to take a pic