Engine weld good or bad idea

[callcoy]

Norm Post #16
I recently had to fix my "B" block #3 between the intake and exhaust. I pressured tested the block and found the exhaust seat insert was leaking from under. I bought the block without testing it, came with new babbit mains, rods, new hung pistons and rings. I did notice that the exhaust seat had been replaced and was oversize, thought I had a good engine till I ran the test. I had to pull both inserts and you could see the crack and hole under the exhaust. Had a professional look at it, who said he could weld it, but I said that would screw up the fresh bores and main bearings, he agreed. Because of the location he said that stitching was not the best thing for that location, so we spent 5 1/2 hours pinning the area. Then pressure sealed the block for 24 hours. I had super over sized seat inserts made and installed them, I knew I had a crack between the inserts to began with, we stitched the crack and pressurized it up to 40 psi and it is now good. I couldn't throw away the block, bearings and etc. so I had no choice but to salvage it.