Cylinder block material.

Hi, can anyone tell me what the cylinder blocks are made from.
Rob.

The block is cast iron and then machined. It sits on a machined steel saddle.
I'm curious to know why you ask the question.
Regards  Chris

Hi, I asked the question because I thought it might be cast steel.
If you look at the photos of the production runs there is signs of coolant on the block, if it were cast iron, no coolant would be required.
Just interested.
Rob.

Interesting...... My 'cast iron' comment was a bit of an assumption.
If it is steel, as you suggest, then I'm really interested because I'd love to get the cylinder block permanently welded to the saddle. That would solve recurrent leakage issues from the joint between them, that my engine seems to suffer from. The Steamseal stuff only seems to last about a year.
Regards  Chris

Hi, if you inspect a newly machined surface on the block I cannot detect (see) the fine cast iron grain.
Also, if you rub it with white paper, I don’t get the carbon deposit I would expect.
I have emailed STW but not had a reply yet.
Rob.

they are cast iron and yes, coolant is used. sometimes the castings are quite hard so coolant is used as a precaution and to wash the swarf away.

Thanks for that information Craig, much appreciated.
Rob.