Just got my block back from the machine shop yesterday, painting it today before starting assembly, and I found this. Passenger side, low and at the front of the block. I don't know but it looks like a coolant passageway. Not supposed to be there unless I miss my guess.

Anybody seen this sort of thing? Know what causes it? Sure feels to me like the machine shop got careless with my block but I don't want to go in there swinging if there's another likely possibility. Is it repairable?

By the way it's the first time anybody but me has ever laid a finger on my engine. Figures. Right in the middle of the shot

 

That is totally normal. I looked at my block to make sure.

I am guessing a provision for a front wheel drive application in other models the BP was used for.

 

Sir I'd like to buy you a beer.

 

Any others to corroborate?

 

Yes, it's normal.

--Ferdi

PS. Do I get a beer too?

 

Beers all around! I'm relieved, can't believe I never noticed it before. Of course, the engine was kinda covered in oil before.

 

Eeyup.

That hole, while annoying, leads out into the bellhousing area. It does not compromise the integrity of the coolant / oil jackets, nor the interior of the crankcase.