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Night train Cracked Engine Case

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Old Apr 16, 2012 | 03:59 PM
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Default Night train Cracked Engine Case

have an 05 night train, and just noticed a crack on the engine case next to one of the bolts. Does anyone know if this can be welded?
 
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Old Apr 16, 2012 | 04:00 PM
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Pics?
 
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Old Apr 16, 2012 | 04:39 PM
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here is a pic you can see it next to the bolt. it is cracked on that side as well as the other. I took it too a shop they confirmed it was cracked but their welder is out for the next couple of days so im wondering if anyone knows if it can be welded.
 
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Old Apr 16, 2012 | 05:06 PM
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Just for intereest's sake how did u discover this? Did you notice any compression drop? Performance dip? A leak? I am sure that riding it now ain't a good idea but just think if you're low on funds now and u try JB Weld and it breaks even worse then just imagine how much more expensive it can cost. I looked. At an old JB weld package and it swears it can do engine block crack repairs.

Whatever you do I hope it works for you the first time!
 
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Old Apr 16, 2012 | 05:18 PM
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Have it welded and make sure that motormount bolt is tight.
 
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Old Apr 16, 2012 | 05:24 PM
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Aluminum cases must be HELI-ARC welded. I had a 68 Shovel back in the day that was cracked in a similar area--the boss where the engine case bolt goes through. Had it heli-arced, but the guy never removed the case bolt, so I never knew if the case bolt actually welded to the case, and I sold the bike soon after that. You may have to remove the motor from the frame to do it right, but yes, it CAN be welded & if done properly, will be even stronger than the original. Try to find an indy that can do the work, they can prolly grind & repaint the finished product so it doesn't look like a repair.

Don't rely on JB weld for something this critical.

Do you know how it happened? My guess is someone torqued the motor mount bolt a little too much, since the cracks are bi-lateral. I DO notice some marks on your frame tab that looks like they were done with a sharp blow. Hit something, maybe? After seeing yours, I hadda go out in the garage & check my Fat. Have seen this happen in the past, but usually on Evos & Shovels.
 

Last edited by dickey; Apr 16, 2012 at 06:17 PM.
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Old Apr 16, 2012 | 06:13 PM
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Just got the bike like 3 weeks ago, assuming the guy that had it before me laid it down or something. i noticed it when i looked down, no compression loss, performance issues or leaks so that is a bonus.
 
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