Found a crack in trans case - is it salvagable?

T

timdhawk

Member
After tearing into my ****** and cleaning up everything I found this crack in the bottom of my case. There was the slightest ring of oil on the outside where the scrape mark is in the 2nd pic:
Is it salvageable? Can I just grind it out real good and weld it, or is it a boat anchor?


 
If it was mine I would grind it good, and run some brass on it with a torch, be good as new. I have fixed heads, blocks, transmissions and other CI parts, for over 55 years, with no problems.
Reggie
 
Timdhawk, cracks propagate and cast iron doesn't weld verey good. I had a similar prob and had a guy who I was verey happey with work / price wise transfer all my ****** guts into a good case he had. Good guy good work.
Cliff Tipton, Iowa, Cliff Tipton <tipper52501@yahoo.com>;
 
drill a small hole at each end of the crack, grind the crack out to a slight v and then braze it up--small holes keep the crack from possibly running
 
I don't think trans cases are THAT hard to find (yet). I'd look for another case. That said, you could probably fix it up as said above, or even just clean it as good as you can and JB weld it.

That isn't cracked due to stress and fatigue, it is probably broke due to an impact from a stray gear tooth or some other breakage in the trans. In other words, there's no reason to assume it should get any worse.

So all you need to do is stop it from leaking.

If you can't find another case.

Of course if it is the matching numbers case that goes with your frame and title, then that would up the ante for trying to fix it.

Mart.
 
Have brazed cast with brazing rod and welded cast iron with Ni-Rod. If done right the results are very durable. Brazed a cracked cast iron exhaust manifold, worked fine for years. Have no fear, the solution is near, and they will be here, on Fordbarn.
 
Timdhawk, if this is the case from the OVERDRIVE transmission that you've been working on, you might want to remind the boys of that. Recommendations on whether to patch it or replace it might be affected.

I'd be interested to know where from your profile you are located ... unless you are in the witness protection program. Some here might be more willing to help if they were nearby.

To answer your question, ... I'd look for a good replacement case. Overdrive cases are harder to find.
 
Wonder how it got there? If it goes anywhere near the bearing hole or the thrust washer surfaces, it is scrap. If it migrates to the taped plug hole good luck. Early top loader cases are quite cheep and plentiful around $50.00. The later 39 style can still be had in the $100.00 area. Not a lot of $ for piece of mind.
 
It looks to me that the crack came about from an impact from the outside. That is how the scratch mark on the outside came from. I would fix the case. Probably use jb weld because the goal is to seal the crack, not strengthen or reinforce the cracked area.

Neal
 
Keep it simple, clean it well inside and out, JB weld inside, just enough to stop the leak. JB the outside just enough to repair the bruise. Stipple the texture outside and paint. it'll never again be an issue.
 
Hoop, you are right. This is the front case from a 49' Merc 3 speed with an OD. The crack is pushed up slightly into the case from an impact (the scrape marks).

I'll update my profile cause I'd love some local eyes/input if possible. I'm located in Billings, Mt.
 
Russ/40 said:
Keep it simple, clean it well inside and out, JB weld inside, just enough to stop the leak. JB the outside just enough to repair the bruise. Stipple the texture outside and paint. it'll never again be an issue.
Click to expand...

Adding to my last, before using any JB, I would use a propane torch to "cook" out any residual gear oil from the pores of the cast iron.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top