Block and/or head crack detection: Home Remedies!
 

I know there are many fabricators and machinists on the forum, so hopefully some of you have some good ideas. Also I searched, and maybe not the right words, and didn't find existing threads on the forum.

I know there's a magnaflux kit ($$$$)
I know there are dye/penetrant kits ($$$)
and I know some shops have hypersonic juju for aeronautics… and I've contacted the shops in my general area, but haven't gotten responses (a week on).

What I'm wondering is: are there ways to detect engine cracks (starting with a disassembled engine) that don't involve expensive kits/hardware? I'm talking about "go to the hardware store and spend maybe $25 on this, this, and this and you can detect cracks"

Also, I'm not terribly interested if they're repairable at all— if there are cracks, I'm divesting myself of my stripped down engine.

I've heard of using mineral oil, brake clean, and talc, but no specific instructions…


Thanks

No thoughts?

My thought is to just take it to a shop. The one I use charges $45. Well worth the price to have it done professionally and know its done right.