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Fixing a cracked case

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type_one Custom Title Time!

1,161 posts · joined Sep 2002 ·

#149542
I have a case that has a hair line crack appearing in the rear flywheel area behind, you guessed it, number three. It is no where near through yet and does not leak yet. Can I get it welded and be sure it will last a while or is it time for new case. Money is an object but I don't want to spend heaps on fixing it if it is still going to crack again.

All comments and help appreciated. I do realise some people are dead against this. I just want to hear some differing opinions.

Thanks all.
Blank

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#149559
Time for a NEW case or a good S/H one if you can find it.

It can be welded if you can find someone who can do magnesium welding but the preperation and cleaning is extreamly important and if not preheated and post weld heat treated the case will only crack again.

Then after welding the case will need tunnel boring and the mating faces machining to ensure a good flat surface to rebuild your engine.

So in the long run cheaper to get a NEW case, especially if your keeping the car for a while
I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278&page=1#pid848630


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=63561&page=1#pid624099


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=4832&page=1#pid452603


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=60650&page=1#pid574409

Menangler Custom Title Time!

1,991 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#149561
They are not worth welding, just buy a new one.
FAHRVERGNUGEN;
Description of a pleasurable sensation,
Experienced when a car and it's driver are in mutual harmony, A unique driving experience, Pleasure, Satisfaction,
A feeling experienced by Volkswagen Drivers.

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,785 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#149576
I agree

I saw in VWMA cases advertised for under $700!!!

Not worth scratching yourself for that price!
Futue te ipsum!!!

VWCOOL 23 Windows of Awesome

5,158 posts · joined Jun 2003 ·

#149582
You have nothing to lose by trying coz u gotta get a new case anyway...
I've had 4 cases go in the last 15 years - I know why, and it's not really 'case' related - and geez, it sucks duznit?
Pay your debts, CxxT

helbus Administrator Mad fabricator, paint and body

7,386 posts · joined Sep 2002 ·

#149750
A friend of mine was offered the cheap option of welding a crack in his case in the vehicle, with no guarantee.
You guessed it, it cracked again, so he paid again. The cheap option again.
You guessed it it cracked again, and he was the one who started getting upset.
If I was the mechanic involved I would vow never to weld another case again.

I can see it would have been better to remove the motor, strip it down and weld it then, but if you have to do that and machine it to get it spot on, then yeah you might as well replace it.
EJ22 into Bay Microbus - Finished project build thread- click on this spot here for info

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#149773
I can see it would have been better to remove the motor, strip it down and weld it then,

The ONLY way possible to weld acase id too dstrip it down. I forgot to mention this before its must be pulled apart and cleaned before you cqan even think about attempting this,

I only did a few case because i worked at Qantas wheere i has acces to the BEST welders and heat treating section in Australia or the world for that matter....

By the way i was the metalurgist who was doing the preperation and heat treatment on the weding processes. Not the welding i left that to the Experts... mind you i watched and assisted
I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278&page=1#pid848630


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=63561&page=1#pid624099


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=4832&page=1#pid452603


http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=60650&page=1#pid574409

tonyg Seriously Crusin Dubber

174 posts · joined Oct 2003 ·

#149806
I have repaired a case with similar cracking and was leaking with small piece of alloy from a wrecked case, epoxy resin and alloy dust from grinding case material... drove 12000 k's in 6 months, still ok when sold. Make the resin into a paste with the gound up alloy, seems to reinforce the cured product. I think the epoxy has enuf flexibility to avoid cracking again. Make sure everything is clean with emery and acetone. If $$$ tight, may keep you going for a year or more......
they took me away haha, hope the medication works