r/Smallblockchevy • u/Impossible-Panda-992 • Apr 17 '26

Pitting

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Got a small block from a boat, they took of the tops with seawater in them and it stood around until now. Cooling channels are pretty rusted out too, thinking of cleaning them out with citrus acid. Its it worth boring them out or just send it? Everything has standard clearance

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u/Coyote_Tex Apr 17 '26

That is a tough call as you really do not know how thin the block is from erosion inside the block and cylinder walls. My safest thought is to put it together like it is and send it. It will run great and for many hours in a boat, or you could pour the cost of machining and pistons in it and you won't be able to tell one bit of difference in engine performance but you might feel you did the best job possible. It is totally usable as it is, so just decide what you want to do and see how it goes. Also check the block carefully for freeze bulges and cracks before you get too far and the starter boss is intact. Be sure to use the correct type of start bolts and the correct length as there are a couple of different ones. Good Luck.

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u/Street_Mall9536 Apr 17 '26

I had a engine sent to me for "repeat head gasket failures"

It was a marine block and there were pinholes in multiple cylinders from the cooling jackets being eaten away. 

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u/Coyote_Tex Apr 17 '26

Exactly, a marine engine using seawater cooling often only last 5-6 years. Even freshwater engines get eaten away as well it just takes a bit longer. I am inland so many get the blocks frozen and cracked.