Cracks in 2L FI engine crankcase - can it be reused?

[Rosiecece]

I’m rebuilding my 1978 2L bus engine and was planning on reusing the crankcase. Upon splitting the case I noticed spider cracks around the #1 cylinder bore. None of them go through the case nor enter critical areas such as bearings or lifter bores. Has anyone seen these before? Are they superficial or critical? The engine is being rebuilt because of a recessed exhaust valve at #3. Can this crankcase be reused? Appreciate the help.

[Wildthings]

What you are looking at are probably just casting marks.

[busdaddy]

Looks like the typical casting marks on type 4 cases from here, someone explained the process VW used to make the aluminum case and why those marks were left, but I can't remember it right now.

If you wash it off really spiffy like and then warm the area with a propane torch do any sweat out oil?
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[SGKent]

if you are referring to the lines on the left, as others said, they are casting marks. Even a new case has them.
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[timvw7476]

Looks great. Just peen or thread your larger welch plugs, especially the bellhousing area. 1978 was a lOOng time ago. Those plugs eventually work loose, dump a little oil, trash a clutch disc. Not fun. Deal with it as preventive maintenance while it's scattered.

[SGKent]

Just be aware that sometimes a new threaded gallery plug can leak too. As me how I know.
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“Most people don’t know what they’re doing, and a lot of them are really good at it.” - George Carlin

[Vanapplebomb]

Typical appearance for die cast aluminum. Most high production die cast aluminum castings look like that. Nothing to worry about.
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http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=487021