Cracked Case
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Stage IV
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Cracked Case
Tore down my motor and found that the last guy used J B Weld or something similar. I've had a valve job, shaved the heads, honed the cylinders and new rings. Now which way do I turn? Heliarc, metal repair or replace the case. Honestly, I'd love to go with a bigger motor, but finances say no. Check the pics. Really value your opinions. Thanks.[X(]
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,286
Likes: 64
From: SoCal
RE: Cracked Case
Bummer. I would not feel comfortable reassembling my bike with that. Hope ya got enough dough to put it back together because in my opinion, it needs to come apart and be repaired.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 12
From: Bluffton, South Carolina
RE: Cracked Case
By the time you get the case welded and remachined by a competent shop that has experience doing that type of work, you end up with a patched case that costs you almost as much as a new after market stock bore case. You make the decision, I know what way we go!!
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 260
Likes: 1
From: Missoula MT
RE: Cracked Case
Because of the crack being where it is, it is going to take a fair amount of welding AND machine work to fix it properly. I know it can be done, but I would wonder about the cost effectiveness. I think if it was me, I would spring for a new case (orcases.) Bummer I know, but lifes a bitch.........JMHO, YMMV, etc.
Bob
Bob
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,199
Likes: 3,087
From: NW AR
RE: Cracked Case
I didn't see your attachment before. I would not put that motor back together like that. I don't think you'll need much machining, though. The inside just needs to be sort-of round and not interfere with the jug. The gasket surface needs to be "mostly flat" but if it is not perfect at that weld, that isn't the end of the world.That's why we use a gasket there. A steady hand and a file will be close enough. The trickiest thing would be in locating the hole, but even that isn't too bad: After everything is welded up and filed flat again, mount the jug and head with the 3 good bolts snugged down. Make a giant pointy punch from a piece of allthread or drillstem or whatever, drop it down the last hole, whack with a hammer. Disassemble, drill out, tap. Done. That case is salvageable. It's gonna be a bunch of work, and too bad the PO failed to mention that little JB weld "fix". Or put a new case on it. Not sure on the costs there, and if it is the case with the VIN on it, you'll have more issues to deal with.
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Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 20
From: Greater St Louis, MO
RE: Cracked Case
The cases on my 89 EG cracked behind the lifter blocks, so I replaced them with a set of S&S, no more concerns.
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
RE: Cracked Case
Hello timsflhtc,
I would Not put it together like that, even if it would hold up??????? you'll know its there and wonder and worry everytime you crack the throttle. also anyone see that and value and resale goes right out the window!
which way to fix it is up to you and your wallet. very fixable... but how much? NEW worry free cases you can pic up for 5-6 hundred bucks, I know that might be a lot to you now? but that would be the BEST fix.... just my 2 cents, good luck and let us all know which way your going, we're there with you
John
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 12
From: Bluffton, South Carolina
RE: Cracked Case
Let me reiterate, we've seen a few cases like yours. First the crack runs down the threaded hole that the cylinder stud threads into, secondly if you look close enough you will also see there is a crack following the oil hole, third it extends through the bore for the spigot. Any one of these done properly is a good deal of work. Repairing all of these properly by an experienced, competent machinist will not be cheap. Now if you believe that the spigot bore just needs to be close to round and the deck just needs to be nearly flat, then I guess the oil hole just needs to be sorta open. Remember good undamaged/unrepaired cases leak all the time. Do your self a favor and get a new after market block for around $600.00 you wont regret it.