Block

drm101 wrote: I'm sure it could be repaired. You just need to ask around in your area, find a shop, then probably take it there and get a quote. I'd want them to check the whole block out for other cracks damage as well. Once repaired, you'll have piece of mind and to me, that's worth something. Finding some other block would be starting over.

Well said. X2.

Was in the exact same situation.  

Steve

It would cost some to ship an engine block, and it is a long drive from Troy PA to Birchwood TN, but I do make several trips to central WV each year, and could haul an engine block in the back of my truck if you need it. Where I go in WV is still a six hour drive from your location, but I thought I should offer this if you end up needing a block and can't find one locally. There is a lodge at the place, may be a little rough, but you would be welcome to camp out there if you needed to make it a two day trip, as long as you don't mind banjo and fiddle music late into the night, and aren't bothered by the smell of BBQ smoke.

It is Old Time Appalachian string band music. I build and play banjos for this type of music, and travel up to WV to visit and play along with the likes of Dwight Diller and Ralph Roberts. Lots of Youtube videos of them out there, and even a few of me. Dwight is worth a listen if you like this kind of music.

Were a lot of folks from all over the world, who once travelled to Marlinton WV for music lessons back when Dwight was still running his camps, but he had to give most of that up a decade ago due to health issues.

If they have the Vandalia Gathering this year I will be going up there the last week of May, if they don't I may go earlier. They cancelled most of the festivals last year due to Covid-19, don't know whether they will have them this year or not, but I have gotten my Vaccine so am game to go.