Is this normal on a block?

[benfro]

OK, so I am restoring a 62 Spyder and am working on the engine. I got down to the block and noticed what appear to be diagonal cracks running down from the lifter ports (inside). This is the first time I have taken one of these engine down this far. Might be a dumb question, but is this normal? I'm sure lots of folks on here have seen this. I'm thinking it may just be normal from factory due to slag cutoff or something - there are "D" tool marks visible. Thanks in advance!

Big view

This is what I am talking about

Tool marks

[toytron]

If I am looking at the same thing you are then yes, those are called flashing. It is from the casting. When parts are cast they are rough in shape. The machining of the engine block produces the smooth parts you see and the less important parts are left without machining. The "d" or "B" marks are probably from the inspector on the assembly line. Cracks would not be raised crests but would be voids.

[Jerry Whitt]

If those wiggly traces are raised a little and can be felt with your finger, flashings. If not, but you can get a needle point into the crevice, it will be a crack.

[wbabst]

If you aren't sure, you can always burnish the places and then perform dye penetrant inspection. I would tend agree though they look like molding imperfections not cracks.

[benfro]

Thank you for the replies. I was thinking they were from the manufacturing process, but not quite sure. What threw me off was the fact they were more noticeable on one side than the other. In my mind they should be about equal. Oh well, wanted to make sure I wasn't going crazy.

[66vairguy]

The flashing marks vary a lot. Some casting are very smooth, other have a lot of flashing marks. This was back in the 60's.

Looks fine.