Sleeve in 69 4bolt CE Block

[hihorse]

looking for knowledgeable opinions on sleeve job

[hihorse]

another shot

[hihorse]

another

[rszmjt]

We used to step sleeve the damaged bores, that is - we bored the original damaged cylinder leaving a small approximate 1/4” of original cylinder at bottom of bore for sleeve to sit against which stopped it from moving down, the cylinder head and gasket stopped it from moving up.

The only thing I can think is that they didn’t use enough interference fit on sleeve and someone was worried it would move and welded it at the bottom. I would definitely have it pressure tested to make sure that it has no leaks if original damage went through to water jacket area.

[70z28lt1]

Usually the step at the main web area (to the left in the photo) is enough to prevent the sleeve from moving down.  Wondering of something else happened in that area.  That is right where the rod swings though.

[bcmiller]

Did you have this work done? Or did you buy the block as is?

[hihorse]

i bought the long block with the sleeve job already done. Don't have info as to why sleeve was inserted.  i took possession with motor apart but apparently it  was a  running motor when water was left in and frost plug blew out when water froze. This is story that i was told. New plugs inserted but motor never reassembled because car was sold. Last block i did with a sleeve had the step (over 30 yrs ago). This must of been a very old job to have no step, surprised to see the welding, don't know if that was common back then to weld the sleeve to the block? Wondering if anyone out there has put a thicker sleeve with a  thin step? 

[69Z28-RS]

I recall people complaining about 'sleeve slap' running engines with sleeves.  I suppose the sleeve would move a bit and make a noise?  I suspect if a sleeve is installed properly, the engine is better for it!   In fact, some old school racers used to install 8 of them in their race engines!

[bcmiller]

Sleeved blocks CAN be and usually are better.

[Kelley W King]

If that weld popped off about 6K it sure would be messy. I might would get a really sharp welder to look at it.

[bcmiller]

Sleeved blocks CAN be and usually are better.

As in 8 sleeves.