Frozen block

[Rich Biebel]

If the block is freeze cracked it is usually easy to find. It probably left a rust trail that would lead you to the crack. You can dry powder mag the crack area to confirm it if it was all apart. It is pretty easy to pressure test a block yourself as you described. Put water in it first and then pressurize it with the oil pan off. Drain it out when your done though..... Welding a cast iron block is not a good way to go in my opinion. There is also a process called stitch welding and that is also not a good way to go. Any internal crack is going to leak water into the oil. I have actually seen an epoxy repair work better than a welded repair......but I wouldn't recommend it especially if the crack is internal. You would be better off parking your car and waiting until you had enough money to get a new block rather than risking all your parts on a block that had a crack and was repaired. I have seen to many failures of supposedly properly welded race engine parts.....Being out of racing is not a big deal as it is usually there when your ready to return and it's like you didn't miss a thing.....well almost.....I have had 2 freeze cracked blocks in my many years of messing with cars........It's not fun....good luck