Abby's Guide to Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more)
Username Password
Discussions Reviews More Guides
Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > Cracked aluminum crankcase repair options?

Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Search For:
GtWtNorth


https://t.me/pump_upp

Location: https://t.me/pump_upp
Joined: Nov 16, 2008
Points: 264

Cracked aluminum crankcase repair options?
Original Message   Nov 21, 2012 9:50 pm
I picked up a nice clean 3000 watt generator from CL with a small crack in the bottom of the crankcase that allows the oil to drain out slowly (fell off the back of a pickup). Any one have any suggestions/experience for repairs other than welding? I'm hoping maybe Devcon, JB weld or some metal epoxy?
The motor is a clone, Lifan 168F2 196 cc and parts seem to be quite rare. The manufacturer will ship a replacement crankcase for $62.00 + transport, which is probably close to what I would pay to have it welded.
Thanks

https://t.me/pump_upp
Replies: 2 - 11 of 26Next page of topicsPreviousNextNext page of topicsAllView as Outline
mkd55


Location: wisconsin
Joined: Dec 16, 2005
Points: 155

Re: Cracked aluminum crankcase repair options?
Reply #2   Nov 22, 2012 12:40 pm
i used jb weld to repair the casting where the drain plug is threaded into the bottom of a portable generator motor.the machined hole was not perfectly centered in the casting and one side was thinner than the other.wrapped some teflon tape on the plug threads and must of threaded it in too far and cracked one side of the threaded bore.drained the motor of gas and oil so i could tip the engine upside down to repair the casting.i was lucky because the crack was centered in a cast well with four sides that i was able to clean,degrease,and fill completely to the top with jb weld.i would try the jb first.
CharlesW


Joined: Jan 9, 2011
Points: 76

Re: Cracked aluminum crankcase repair options?
Reply #3   Nov 22, 2012 2:19 pm
I'm more of a buster than I am a fixer, but doesn't the expansion and contraction of the aluminum create problems with the JB Weld repair?

I guess my question has already been answered since you have had success doing it.

GtWtNorth


https://t.me/pump_upp

Location: https://t.me/pump_upp
Joined: Nov 16, 2008
Points: 264

Re: Cracked aluminum crankcase repair options?
Reply #4   Nov 22, 2012 2:57 pm
I haven't taken it apart yet, but comparing what I can see to on-line photos of the GX200, the casting features look just like the GX200. As soon as I get some time I'll start tearing down & add some photos. The crack is on the bottom of the crankcase on the side opposite to the crankcase cover, right next to a mounting bolt. I'll only know how long it is when I get the motor out of the chassis.

I was thinking of drilling stopping holes, but what size would you suggest? Although the aluminum may flex a bit more than steel from thermal cycling, I'm also hoping it won't spread any farther. I just have to remember to keep a constant eye out for oil leaks in that area in the future.

Thanks

https://t.me/pump_upp
borat


Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692

Re: Cracked aluminum crankcase repair options?
Reply #5   Nov 22, 2012 6:59 pm
Drill stop hole need to be just a bit larger than the width of the crack.  The smaller the better.   The objective of the hole is to distribute the stress around the arc of the circumference of the hole rather than the crack  continuing on.  
MN_Runner


Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Joined: Dec 5, 2010
Points: 622

Re: Cracked aluminum crankcase repair options?
Reply #6   Nov 23, 2012 9:13 pm
Why not just buy the new (or used if you can find one) crankcase if the price is fairly reasonable?  If you want to re-sell it at some point, having a non-cracked crankcase (and non welded) will at least not scare the potential buyer away. Hopefully you can find a replacement. 
GtWtNorth


https://t.me/pump_upp

Location: https://t.me/pump_upp
Joined: Nov 16, 2008
Points: 264

Re: Cracked aluminum crankcase repair options?
Reply #7   Nov 24, 2012 3:10 pm
Ok, I pulled the engine from the chassis to get a better look at the crack (or should I say cracks). Looks like the whole corner is not far from coming off.  I wish the cylinder was separate from the crankcase. Here are some photos:









This message was modified Nov 24, 2012 by GtWtNorth


https://t.me/pump_upp
GtWtNorth


https://t.me/pump_upp

Location: https://t.me/pump_upp
Joined: Nov 16, 2008
Points: 264

Re: Cracked aluminum crankcase repair options?
Reply #8   Nov 24, 2012 3:17 pm
Also got some pics of the engine. I'm not expert but it looks a heck of a lot like a GX200 clone to me.









 

https://t.me/pump_upp
MN_Runner


Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Joined: Dec 5, 2010
Points: 622

Re: Cracked aluminum crankcase repair options?
Reply #9   Nov 24, 2012 3:22 pm
Looks like a tough fix.  Not sure if welding (weldings) will hold. The hairline crack will likely get bigger during heating and cooling cycles. 
borat


Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692

Re: Cracked aluminum crankcase repair options?
Reply #10   Nov 24, 2012 3:26 pm
Looks very similar to the engines CTC had on sale for less than $150.00

Not sure but I think they were LCT or Champion engines.  The 196cc is very similar to the Honda GX200 and from what I've read, parts are interchangeable.  You'd probably be better off getting a new engine and keeping the one with the cracked block for parts.
carlb


Joined: Nov 16, 2010
Points: 279

Re: Cracked aluminum crankcase repair options?
Reply #11   Nov 24, 2012 4:57 pm
I just got an add from Harbor freight and they have there 6.5hp predator engines on sale for 99 dollars and if you have a 20% off coupon its only about 80 dollars but that is a 3/4" straight shaft and yours may be a tapered shaft. If yours is using a 3/4" straight shaft I would just replace the engine.
This message was modified Nov 24, 2012 by carlb
Replies: 2 - 11 of 26Next page of topicsPreviousNextNext page of topicsAllView as Outline
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Guide   •   Discussions  Reviews  
AbbysGuide.com   About Us   Terms of Use   Privacy Policy   Contact Us
Copyright 1998-2024 AbbysGuide.com. All rights reserved.
Site by Take 42