John Deere 5045E Cracked Block

I recently came across a 2010 John Deere 5045E that is going to be up for public auction. Tractor looked good except the right side power steering tie rod was busted and front right tire was off the rim. No biggie. Obviously has been abused a little. Told a friend of mine about it and he checked it out and said the block is cracked. I went and looked through some pictures I took and sure enough the block is cracked. It's small enough that it's not very noticeable but big enough that it's a major problem. Tractor fired right up and ran good. The tire was off the rim so I didn't drive it around. No oil on the ground under it. I'm interested in getting the machine as I think it may go cheap but am concerned about how much work I'd be getting myself into. I've rebuilt a few old tractors and am familiar with them but these newer ones I don't know as much about and I've never rebuilt a diesel. To get to my point, would I be looking at a project that's more than the skilled weekend warrior could do? I don't have a full on machine shop or something but have enough tools and skill to be dangerous lol. Also where could I find a good block without breaking the bank? Thanks in advance for any insight you might provide.

With block cracked was no coolant leaking? That tractor has the 2.9L 3 cyl engine which should be easily found.

I did not see any fluid of any kind under the tractor but I did not pop the top on the coolant res or check the oil. I did a little hunting to find the 2.9L engine but so far have not found any. Any suggestions where to search? Will the 2.9L from the 90's fit a 2010?

(quoted from post at 11:58:49 04/20/15)
Will the 2.9L from the 90's fit a 2010?

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I think the block will interchange but I'll have to do some research to answer you correctly.

The answer lies in the free parts book on the JD web site.