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?

 

Pics?

 

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.

 

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!

 

Have it welded and make sure that motormount bolt is tight.

 

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.

 

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.