When it rains it pours!!! Found another surprise!

[packinkimber45]

So I finally got my motor in the car after years of being down. And to my surprise I found this crack on my tranny. It is right below the clutch release cylinder assembly. It's the only crack I found, its not by any mounting bolts of the tranny to the block however since it is right by the clutch release cylinder and the transfer case I'm worried the crack will get bigger or other issues will arise. The crack is all the way through to the inside of the bell housing. The crack is about 3 inches long. It doesn't look like it reaches the hole where the clutch fork portrudes through. I dont think it's a good idea to run the car with this crack in place since there is always pressure in this area when the clutch is in use and from the stress the tranny is under at all times. What do you guys think, should I get it welded? Is it okay to run it where it is? I really dont want to take the tranny back out since it was a pain to get it in the car... I spoke to a local welder who welds aluminum and he told me I dont need to take the tranny out. He said he can grind into the crack and weld from the outside and will fill in the gap. What should I do? Here are some pics. Sorry for posting too many, just to make sure I have enough angles to show the crack. Thanks in advance.

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[SD99GST]

I would weld it as a temporary fix. But then again Im paranoid about things like that. Some welders do some pretty nice work and don't doubt that if he knows what he is doing that he can repair it pretty well. Always a bummer to find a issue like this though.

 

[KT_McHan]

If engine is already in and installed your easiest option is to weld thr crack...
But it DEFINITELY needs to be ground out as much as possible to keep it from cracking again...
Your going to have to keep an eye on it though..because of how the crack runs by/through the mounting tab
Again this is just my opinion...but thats how i would fix it...and ive been welding for a living for 20 years (shoulda stayed in school)

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[XiKeiyaZI]

I Personally would drop the trans and have that crack welded a bit more carefully.. but think of it like this. It's not around any bolts, so there will never be two way pressure on it. Go ahead and have the welder grind into it and weld it correctly. You should be just fine.

 

[packinkimber45]

If engine is already in and installed your easiest option is to weld thr crack...
But it DEFINITELY needs to be ground out as much as possible to keep it from cracking again...
Your going to have to keep an eye on it though..because of how the crack runs by/through the mounting tab
Again this is just my opinion...but thats how i would fix it...and ive been welding for a living for 20 years (shoulda stayed in school)

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I know it looks like the crack is by a mounting bolt. Actually luckily that bolt hole you see is for mounting the clutch release cylinder, not an actual tranny mounting bolt. I just hope that area doesnt generate enough pressure due to the clutch release cylinder during operation to worry about that area. It is the easiest option for me as far as getting it fixed still in the car. Thanks.

After speaking to the welder doing the job for me, I have decided to leave the tranny installed. The welder told me he can weld it while it is installed and should not be an issue. He did tell me as well he will be grinding as much of the crack in order to weld it as best as possible. Unfortunately I will have to wait until tuesday in order to get the work done. I just got ahold of a trailer today too. Oh well, it's been down for three years, what is another week . Now I just need to figure out dsmlink and base tune. I've gotten so deep into this project! It's getting overwhelming now. But since I have changed some things I need to get things in order.