Diesel with a cracked block

[eti engineer]

Hey,

While I have your attention, I have a quick question...

My son-in-law does custom welding in Virginia. He was working for someone else but decided to strike out on his own. He went to a used truck dealer and bought a 1990 or so F-350 with the Power Stroke diesel in it. He drove it for 300 miles only to discover he has a 4-inch crack in the block. He ran out of oil apparently and his present engine is toast.

He is working out of his home with a small welder while he figures out what to do. The dealer is telling him tough sh___ and will not help him. He hasn't got a lot of money and is not having any luck trying to find a used engine.

Any ideas on what can be done to help him out?? I have offered to loan him the money, but a new engine is around 9 grand installed, from what he is being told.

Any leads or assistance would be appreciated...

Thanks...

eti engineer

[rhandwor]

I would go to an automotive machine shop. Tell them exactly where it is cracked some times they can sleeve an engine. Sometimes they can be welded it all depends on where the crack is and how wide.
Most junk yards will do a check on where an engine is located and a price.
Check on ebay for a used block http://www.ebay.com In my opinion he would be better off buying a used truck a dodge with a cummings engine and standard transmission. Ford had a problem with the ground strap getting corroded and the block letting go.