TR2/3/3A Yet another TR3 question...

[markctr3]

I am in the process of rebuilding the engine on my TR3, and I noticed a crack in the block. It is cracked in the "web" that connects the left and right side of the engine, and runs between the number 2 & 3 cylinders. I know it's not supposed to be that way, but I'm wondering if this is a common fault that is not that important.

 

[Don Elliott]

I couldn't say if it's common but I wouldn't try to put all that money and time into a block that has a visible crack like that. Why risk it ?

Make sure that if you get a better block that you also get all the matching bearing caps that came from that block too. They don't mix and match with any other block.

 

[sammyb]

Not common, as far as I know. Heard of this only once before. I would suggest getting the block fixed (or just replaced.) There are tons of blocks out there, and you can probably find a very good engine in a very bad TR3 or TR4 for pretty cheap.

 

[Andrew Mace]

There may well be "tons" of wet-liner blocks out there, but it might take some searching to find a truly good one. Another "iffy" spot to check is at the top of the block where the head studs thread in. These areas can crack as well. And yes, it's probably best to make sure the bearing caps are all there, but any replacement cap(s) could be align-bored as needed.