Found a crack in lower case.

[smd753]

So I'm in the process of fixing second gear on my '97 ZX9r. During dis-assembly I found a crack in the lower case. If you're looking at the engine in the upright position the crack is on the clutch side at about the 11 o'clock position. The crack runs about 3/8 inch long perpendicular to the gasket edge, and does go through inside to outside.

Is this fixable? Weldable? Is the engine steel or aluminum alloy?

Thanks guys!

[Degsy]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; CPU iPhone OS 5_0_1 like Mac OS X) AppleWebKit/534.46 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.1 Mobile/9A405 Safari/7534.48.3)

Yes fixable usually and the cases are aluminum alloy.

[Expat]

If it is not a stressed area, JB weld may do the trick, post a photo showing the damage. If you have the engine apart, welding is your best option.

[mell0]

Are you talking about just an engine case cover? Like a clutch cover or stator cover or something? If so I'd JB weld that sucker and not sweat it.

[smd753]

I'll post a photo when I get home this afternoon.

The crack is on the lower case itself along the sealing edge where the clutch cover would go. it's up high, so oil wouldn't be pooling over it, but don't you have to worry about the oil pressure?

I do have it apart, so I'd just as soon get it welded. Would anyone know of a knowledgeable welding shop that could do this for me?

Thanks!

[Paul_E_D]

I can see from your avatar that those cases are under a LOT of stress. Best weld them up! (sorry I don't have a lead, but any good welder can do it)

[TheIglu]

Just remember, the cases cracked for a reason. Make sure you find out that reason and resolve it with the most confidence you can.

I'd also explore picking up a used case on Ebay.

[smd753]

Just remember, the cases cracked for a reason.

Oh, I know why the case cracked, TheIglu, it's because I'm a Dumbass (I shan't elaborate further due to the embarrassment of it all).

So now I just need a welding shop knowledgeable in aluminum alloys......

[Expat]

Photo?

[Tricky Mike]

Braze it!

[SVRACER01]

Braze it!

hes not gonna eat it mike. or maybe he is.....can you recommend a marinade?

[smd753]

Sorry about not posting photo, guys. "Technical difficulties".

Did a little research. Considering size of the crack and where it is, I'm gonna try MellO's suggestion of JB Weld. That stuff's supposed to withstand 500 degrees F operating temperature!!

If that doesn't work, then I'll spring for the weld/braze/marinade......

[Tricky Mike]

Just keep an eye on it as time goes by. I've had pretty good results with the stuff, but I have noticed it deteriorate a little over time. Don't want to oil your own rear tire, ya know.

[TheIglu]

hes not gonna eat it mike. or maybe he is.....can you recommend a marinade?

BRAISE

[SVRACER01]

some cocksucker stabbed a hole in my gas tank of my bike. i fixed it with JB weld. that was about 8 years ago. still good. i may have added some to it at one point but i dont recall.