Magnaflux or Pressure Test?
 

Hi all,

I have a question about testing. I have pulled both engines (350) and want to get them tested to see the condition of the blocks, specifically the waterjackets. I'm replacing all 4 heads and both oil pans becouse of cracks and rot. Also replacing some brackets and probably the hoses also, just for grins...LOL. Anyway, what test would tell me without a doubt, were a problem might be if there was a problem? Thanks for your time and if you have any questions, please feel free to write them.

Thanks Again

Mag them, look between 4 and 6, and 5 and 7, at the top of the bores you might see a crack visually, then they are junk.

visually they are fine, there aren't any cracks anywhere. I was wondering about any internal waterjacket corrosion.

How old are the blocks? how many years in salt water? I would not recommend using old blocks if they have been in salt water for over5-6 years,blocks are not that expensive,use existing rotating assy sell old blocks,buy a set of dart little m,then you know what your working with.

blocks are 1998, second owner lived in NJ, I'm not sure about original owner.

little m is good stuff, they can do 481's

Those blocks are good, I just don't have 4k+ laying around to pick them up. I'll just have to go with the Magnaflux and hope for the best.

Go for it, if they are good they are good.

Your probably looking at around $200 give or take to mag two blocks. It's cheap insurance to test them first.

Also when you pull the heads, poke around in the water jacket holes and see if theres a bunch of rot. Use a screwdriver or something, then take one of those spring loaded grabber things (ya know the 2 ft long flexable thing that allows you to grab bolts and stuff in tight areas) and see if you can retrieve chunks of metal. If you can, don't bother magnafluxing, just get new blocks and use you existing internals. I learned this the hard way and ended up getting a nice 4 bolt main short block for a grand from a local machine shop.