Cracks between cam journal and mainshaft journal in case

Gear Case (cams, idlers, cam cover)
Post Reply
Frankenstein
Senior Member
Posts: 750
Joined: Wed Oct 05, 2005 9:04 am
Bikes: 37ULH,46UL,47EL(80"),65FL,61KH-WL-BSA hybrid,56square4,several 50's BSA 500 singles
Location: Interlaken, NY
Has thanked: 22 times
Been thanked: 317 times

Cracks between cam journal and mainshaft journal in case

#1

Post by Frankenstein »

I seem to remember hearing about these cracks appearing in right cases, but couldn't find any reference here in a quick search. I'm looking at a right engine case for an engine build that has some cracks radiating out from the cam journal hole. Can these be welded and the case reused? it's a 48-53 era case. Thanks for any and all info,
DD
RUBONE
Moderator
Senior Member
Posts: 8376
Joined: Sat Nov 15, 2008 4:09 am
Bikes: Multiple H-D, Ducati, BMW, Triumph, BSA,...
Has thanked: 478 times
Been thanked: 2933 times

Re: Cracks between cam journal and mainshaft journal in case

#2

Post by RUBONE »

That is a really tricky area to weld. Often the cracks just run in front of the weld!! There are a few guys who have been successful at it, many more who have failed! You might try giving Phil at Knuckleworks a call. He does all kinds of case repair as well as making Knuckle cases. Don't think he has Pan rights yet though!
Robbie
james
Senior Member
Posts: 826
Joined: Tue Nov 18, 2008 7:33 pm
Bikes: 1952 FL
2020 Honda Super Cub
Location: Estero Florida
Has thanked: 49 times
Been thanked: 57 times

Re: Cracks between cam journal and mainshaft journal in case

#3

Post by james »

I had the same cracks from my cam bushing 1952 FL.
I know this is fairly common and they can be repaired.
Carl Olsen repaired my case and I'm running it right now.
Most aluminum cracks and defiencies can be repaired if you find
the right person to do the job, not some schmo who says , "yea I can Do aluminum
I tried it before and it worked".
Do it once, do it right!

Jim
58flh
Former member
Senior Member
Posts: 3332
Joined: Sat Jun 26, 2010 1:54 pm
Bikes: 1958flh 1969sporty,had a knuckle but sold back to original owner
Location: NEW JERSEY
Has thanked: 195 times
Been thanked: 277 times

Re: Cracks between cam journal and mainshaft journal in case

#4

Post by 58flh »

IT can absolutly be repaired. BUT you need somebody who has EXP. in this area!, not just someone who can weld ALUM.!--This is an aquired art that comes from yrs. of doing this stuff!--It wont be that cheap, & you will probably have a wait long time!--If the guy is good he will be swamped with work like this!--GOOD-LUCK--RICHIE
Cotten
Senior Member
Posts: 6937
Joined: Sun Feb 10, 2002 2:30 am
Bikes: -
Location: Central Illinois
Has thanked: 112 times
Been thanked: 310 times

Re: Cracks between cam journal and mainshaft journal in case

#5

Post by Cotten »

I had to pull a retired pro practically back out of the grave for two cracked right cases in progress (and a Scout).
Thankfully, he still has his TIG, oven, and stress plate, as he is the ONLY living soul with successful experience at vintage repair in my region.

He's had them a while.... .... .. .

....Cotten
Post Reply

Return to “Gear Case / Cams”