john deere 445 with Kawasaki FD620d engine

[Papayak1ng]

My cousin's asking me to help him with his old JD 445 with Kawasaki FD620d engine, yeah it's finally gave up the ghost.

The engine seized on him and after we tore it apart, I checked and found the main bearing was totally frozen.

Now, we're checking out the crankcase and we're seeing what look like a bunch of tiny cracks in the aluminum right around the one cylinder.

Also, what is the best way to inspect an engine block for cracks?

We were planning on rebuilding this thing, but is this a lost cause? Is it fatal?

 

[fielddutydeere]

So, if you see cracks by the cylinder, it's probably a goner. Aluminum just can't handle that kind of stress once it's broken. You could try using dye penetrant or mag particle testing to be totally sure, but if the main bearing is stuck and the engine block is cracked, you're probably better off just getting a new one.

 

[DirtDozer]

My cousin's asking me to help him with his old JD 445 with Kawasaki FD620d engine, yeah it's finally gave up the ghost.

The engine seized on him and after we tore it apart, I checked and found the main bearing was totally frozen.

Now, we're checking out the crankcase and we're seeing what look like a bunch of tiny cracks in the aluminum right around the one cylinder.

Also, what is the best way to inspect an engine block for cracks?

We were planning on rebuilding this thing, but is this a lost cause? Is it fatal?

Yeah, with a seized main bearing and those suspected cracks around the cylinder, I have to agree with @fielddutydeere. That kind of failure, combined with cracks in the aluminum casting, usually spells fatal for the engine case itself. You can clean the block thoroughly and use a penetrant dye inspection kit to properly inspect for cracks, but honestly, don't sink money into rebuilding a cracked block. You'll save time and money in the long run by finding a good used short block or a new replacement engine instead of trying to save that one.

 

[deerestjohn]

Also, look closely for any bending or twisting near the cylinder walls, and see if coolant is getting where it shouldn't. These can mean bigger problems inside. If the crankshaft journals have a lot of scratches, that's really bad news.