PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
How do you fix a cracked aluminum engine block?
My car has an aluminum engine block, and over time, it’s been developing cracks. I’m not sure how this could have happened. How do you fix a cracked engine block made from aluminum?
Melanie Mergen · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
One of the most common causes of a cracked aluminum
engine
block is overheating. Extreme cold can cause cracking, too. If this has been happening over time, you may want to make sure your engine’s cooling system is working properly.Sometimes a cracked engine block can be fixed with welding, but since aluminum has a lower melting point than some other metals, welding isn’t a good idea in this case.
There are other options, however, some of which involve patching and epoxies that can tolerate high temperatures.
Repairing a cracked engine block can range from $1,500 to $4,000, depending on the severity of the problem, so keep in mind that it could end up being cheaper to replace the engine block instead.
Since you’re unsure of the cause of the cracking, you may want to have a
mechanic
evaluate your engine block and look for other potential damage. They should be able to give you an estimate for repair or replacement so you can decide what to do next.While you’re staying on top of your car’s maintenance, it may also be a good idea to make sure your
car insurance
policy is still giving you the coverage you need. Sometimes, this can be a tedious process, but Jerry
makes it easy by gathering multiple quotes from top insurers, like Allstate and Progressive, in one place. View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies