53 block cracked a few years ago, I lock'nstitched, and installed the block brace on the open frost plug seen in the picture. The repair seeped coolant slowly but I was generally happy since I only had to top up coolant every couple months. A new crack appeared and grew over the last few months. After removing the brace to add some stitching pins, it appears to be a new crack, skipping the area around the brace. Has anyone seen this before?

 

I don't laugh at all. It looks like you did a good job the first time but due to the thin wall another crack has formed. IMO, the weakest point (thin wall) will crack, no matter where along this section of the block....and yes, in multiple places. Good luck!

 

When the core shifts during manufacture it can lead to failure all the way along that line. You fixed the weakest point and now its found the next weakest point to cavitate a crack in...

Maybe time for a new block?

 

Nope, too stubborn, and too cheap, besides it still runs great!

 

I have seen a few posts where they make a plate to completely cover over the cracking area, then they drill and tap holes to bolt the plate to the block, and they lay a gasket(rubber) between the plate and the block,apparently the plate bolted to the block helps stiffen it and lessens more cracks. I think if mine had cracked I would have tried this method....

good luck on your second attempt

 

I hear ya! I hope you can get it repaired.