How far down in the cylinder is the crack? Top, Middle, Botton etc.? If you do replace the block go for a 292 or bore/sleeve yours to 292+. The parts all fit but the 272 rings and pistons are getting hard to find. Chuck in NH

Where are you located?

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

Maybe it's a crack and the engine had been sleeved at one time?

 I'm on a Lowwwww Budget

Like John, I question if this is a crack if there’s no evidence of water getting into the cylinder.  If you can get an adequate camera for a picture, be sure to set the camera to the ‘macro’ mode so that any details will be clear.  The description thus far just sounds like a badly worn cylinder at the top of the bore and potentially a broken top ring or badly worn top groove in the piston as well.  Definitely interested in what you find when you remove the piston.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

It is a crack that runs close to  horizontal. It has a ridge on one side where it has seperated. I had no indication there was a problem with the motor. I have not pulled the pistons yet, but you can see where the rings or piston sides have been wearing on the lip of the crack. My cheap camera will not take good enough close up pics or I would post one for you.

WTB 1955 Courier emblems    Mark, Jefferson City Missouri

Are you sure it is really cracked? If you're not getting water in the oil or steam in the exhaust it might be an actual crack. Does it run in a straight line? Cracks are jagged. If it is perfectly vertical in could be a scatch. If horizontal It is likely a stain from fuel.

If it is really cracked best to start over.

http://ford-y-block.com 

20 miles east of San Diego, 20 miles north of Mexico

You guys are right, The search has started for a new motor. Thanks

WTB 1955 Courier emblems    Mark, Jefferson City Missouri

This is true!  and you'll be a lot happier in the long run.  You have the engine out already, don't 'rig it, do it right. 

   God Bless.   Tim                           http://yblockguy.com/

350ci Y-Block FED "Elwood", 301ci Y-Block Unibody LSR "Jake", 312ci Y-Block '58 F-100, 338ci Y-Block powered Model A Tudor

tim@yblockguy.com  Visalia, California    Just west of the Sequoias

Do yourself a favor and don't go any further. Any time or money spent is wasted. You need to go with another block or sleeve it. Fixing it is the only answer.

Ol'ford nutCentral Iowa

56 Vic w/292 & 4 spd.

If its a 272, those blocks can usually be bought at scrap iron price. You might consider starting with a fresh block.

Kenneth

Fredricksburg, Texas

You've got an oil leak problem & a cracked cylinder and the engine is already out. So, If the engine is alright other wise, maybe you should spring for a sleeve job. Then clean it up well & re assemble it. Just a thought...

Paul