Merlin X Alum. Block- Main Journal Webbing Cracked -Resolved

[gws64gto]

Seller on RJ had a "new" aluminum BBC Merlin X block for sale (std deck, 4.5 bore).....definitely at the right price. So being unfamiliar with the Merlin X I called World Products to get the details/ specifications on this block prior to calling the seller. One of my specific questions to the tech person.....How much horsepower can this water block take? The tech person told me 2,200+HP with out a partial of fill the block. Okay...great.... I contacted the seller and picked the block up....very nice piece as advertised.

Okay.... now the nuts and bolts....

After machining and assembly, we did three dyno pulls on the 540 cu in motor, it made 1,847hp @ 8,200rpm and 1,582 ft lbs @ 4,950rpm on a conservative tune up (20psi of boost and 28deg timing). And later we made three 1/4 mile passes on the motor. After returning home I thought I would drop the pan and have a look at the bearings.

Well, to my surprise............ #2 & #4 main journal webbings are "severely cracked". The 1st crack starts at the bottom #2 sleeve and travels through #2 main journal to the bottom of #4 sleeve. The 2nd crack travels from the other side of #4 sleeve down through #3 main journal to the bottom of #6 sleeve.

Anyone else familiar or hear of this problem with the Merlin X aluminum block…….or am I just lucky.

Thanks guys

[DirkaDirka]

Is it possible we could get some pics of the damage??

[gws64gto]

Still trying to figure out how to post the pictures. :(

[fla1976]

You have a PM.

[gws64gto]

http://s1004.photobucket.com/albums/af169/gws64gto

I believe you can view the photo's by clicking on the above link.

[fla1976]

http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp146/fla1976/thDSCN1538.jpg
http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp146/fla1976/thDSCN1537.jpg
http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp146/fla1976/thDSCN1536.jpg

[DirkaDirka]

Here are the pics guys without having to click on a link.....

http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af169/gws64gto/DSCN1536.jpg
http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af169/gws64gto/DSCN1537.jpg
http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af169/gws64gto/DSCN1538.jpg

[gws64gto]

I contacted World Products regarding the cracks in the block and will cut the conversation short.

FYI to RJ readers -

After going to the details I was told this has happend to three other aluminum blocks that were used in blown/ heavy NOS applications. Bill Mitchell said excessive boost & detonation causes the sleeves to move around causing the block to crack. The block should have had half fill minimum.

We discussed cost of repairing the block, strength and customer support/ service.

All said and done.......World Products said they don't want an unhappy customer, nor do they want me to repair the block especially using it in a blown application. They asked me to return the block back to them and they will sell me a new block at cost. Personally......I felt really good that they talked over the problem and came up with a reason why and then offer to replace the block at cost (one hell'eva deal!!!).They could have said....too bad, that's racing.

They made a return customer out of me.....Thanks Paul and Bill Mitchell at World Products.

[DirkaDirka]

Thats awesome to hear.

[cam67152]

You gotta like that :D

[itsabird]

cool deal, i don,t i would feel safe, with any try at repair.

[hink]

Interesting as I got this PM a week ago on CT site.

Originally Posted by vortecpro
Are you at the PRI show? I need the phone number to the world products rep, we had the main saddles pull out of there aluminum BB block have you seen this before?