Front motor mount crack....thoughts?
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Novice
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Garland, TX
Front motor mount crack....thoughts?
So I just picked up my new to me '04 Softail Standard with the 88ci twin cam. The bike was really clean and I looked it over real good before I bought it. When I got home, I decided to do some further cleaning and started cleaning the little bit of road grime on the bottom of the motor, only to find a couple small cracks on the lower front motor mount!
Questions:
1. The cracks are on the bottom of the long motor mount bolt, so they don't go into the main body of the case. Is this a major problem that needs to be addressed soon?
2. Can it be welded?
3. Can it be welded without removing the motor and splitting the cases?
4. If 2 or 3 are a yes, does anyone know a GOOD welder in the Dallas area that could do the job?
5. What do you think could have cause this? In the photo that looks like two small cracks next to each other, I think one of them is actually a knick so maybe something hit the motor there?
Thanks in advance for the help. This bike completes a long time dream of mine, and I bout threw up when I noticed the cracks. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Questions:
1. The cracks are on the bottom of the long motor mount bolt, so they don't go into the main body of the case. Is this a major problem that needs to be addressed soon?
2. Can it be welded?
3. Can it be welded without removing the motor and splitting the cases?
4. If 2 or 3 are a yes, does anyone know a GOOD welder in the Dallas area that could do the job?
5. What do you think could have cause this? In the photo that looks like two small cracks next to each other, I think one of them is actually a knick so maybe something hit the motor there?
Thanks in advance for the help. This bike completes a long time dream of mine, and I bout threw up when I noticed the cracks. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6,849
Likes: 1,389
From: Florida
well, from your pictures that is not the motor mount. It is the case bolt. It could be from overtightening. Yes the cases have to be split for that to be repaired. It can be welded or you could buy new cases. You didn't say how many miles are on the bike. What I would do is ride it and ride it a lot. If the motor gets up there in miles I would send it to have it remanned. They will replace the cases due to the crack and you get a new motor with the same case numbers. That sucks by the way
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,217
Likes: 90
From: Detroit
If it was me, I'd probably loosen the bolt to take pressure off, and try to find a top-notch tig welder who's willing to take it on. They might be more willing if you come up with a way to lay the bike on it's side so they have easier access.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,537
Likes: 6,412
From: Honah Lee
I like you would be quite concerned about that one. Even with a sale as is, you probably have some recourse since it's obvious like a frame crack, there is a huge safety concern since it could grow over times and who wants to monitor that. It needs a new motor. Welding on a cast aluminum is hit and miss. Just like welding or straighten on a frame, no reliable repair shop does that.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,217
Likes: 90
From: Detroit
Granted, this would be difficult, and they may not be able to get full penetration all the way to the bolt. If part of the crack remains, it might be enough of a stress riser that it happens again. But for maybe a couple of hundred bucks, I'd certainly try it before replacing the cases or engine.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,217
Likes: 90
From: Detroit
Another weird thought:
There's an engine case bolt right next to it holding the case halves together, and there's another major motor mount bolt a few inches away, so maybe the cracks don't matter that much unless they eventually go all the way through the case, making it leak oil. Maybe the bike would even be fine without that mount bolt. Car engines are often secured by much less.
There's an engine case bolt right next to it holding the case halves together, and there's another major motor mount bolt a few inches away, so maybe the cracks don't matter that much unless they eventually go all the way through the case, making it leak oil. Maybe the bike would even be fine without that mount bolt. Car engines are often secured by much less.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 451
Likes: 0
From: Fort Mill, SC
Tig it.. grind it out and tig it.. and then you will need to do a threadcert.. or whatever its called.. will be stronger than stock after you do that.. but looks like motor gonna have to come out of its home... Id get my money back if I could.. however.. you bought it as is used I assume.. po maybe didnt know about it. Dont assume he did... in fact, you have no proof..
Sorry this happened man... keep your chin up.. smile, and move forward. I bet its a nice bike. If the motor has to come out its an opportunity to detail it and your frame..
Maybe do the jugs gotta love jugs right?
Sorry this happened man... keep your chin up.. smile, and move forward. I bet its a nice bike. If the motor has to come out its an opportunity to detail it and your frame..
Maybe do the jugs gotta love jugs right?
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