I found a crack in the snout of my '16 crankcase. Any suggestions for repairing it?
I would say V it out on the underside, weld it and grind it smooth... Then do the top the same way so the weld goes all the way through the crack. If you don't care about looks it will be stronger if you don't grind the weld. Jim Patrick
If you screw it up,I have a replacement. (do-do happens.)
John
I know you have the ability to repair that but if you need help with the welding then talk with Barley-joe's stepson Mike. He did some welding on my 14.
Bill
Bill, Good advice... close by too!
Are the nose pieces forged or cast?
Technically, it is almost impossible to weld that. It must be brazed. Ford brazed those after they were riveted, and once brazed, the only way to "weld" is to completely separate the forging from the heavy sheet steel. Then you must completely, totally, 100% remove ALL copper-based brass or bronze within an inch or two of the area to be welded. Even a microscopic amount of copper in a steel weld will poison the weld and leave it only a little stronger than a china cup.
The good news. A small amount of steel strap iron or rod, judiciously placed on the underside, then heavily brazed, will be as strong as new. And difficult to notice.
I need another early type pan. If you don't think it is worth fixing, I would give $100 for an otherwise good pan like that right now.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2
Thanks Wayne, The same thought was lurking in the back of my head. I will braze a small strap in place.
I you need another long snout pan, send me a PM, as I do have one other.
My pan was cracked all the way across at the nose. I welded it easily with my wire welder. I suspected its malleable iron and was skeptical about welding but nothing ventured nothing gained, so I gave it a shot and all went well.
Well Ted, That's reassuring. We've got TIG, MIG, Stick and Oxy-Acetylene here on the ranch. I think I'll give it a try. - John
I've MIG welded cracked spindle bodies, rear axle backing plates and a bunch of other pieces including pan arms and one nose like the one you have. Mine was not brazed to the pan so I wasn't concerned about trying to weld over braze. They all came out fine. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again.
Thanks Richard. You give Me hope.
Thanks for the repair process on a cracked nose. Now I can repair mine and get my tractor conversion back in the field. I wasn't sure on the welding, but brazing will work out better. Thanks again Jim