Cast iron repair on fork lift tansmission?

[turbo38t]

Ok, here goes. I am servicing an IR VR-1044 and there is a crack in the bottom radius of the cast iron transfer case attached to the bottom of the transmission. It is the case where the two driveshafts meet. Anyways, they crack is more of an oil leak than a structural problem according to the powers that be. Basically I have a 6" crack running horizontally in the radius where the front vertical side meets the horizontal bottom side. I've done quite a few cast iron repairs and to be honest I usually prefer stainless rod over nickel rod unless it needs to be machined. I also normally am able to properly heat and cool the pieces. This one is different. First off, the case is on the machine so I'm out of position(not a big deal), second is the tranny had ATF in it (quite flammable), thirdly I can not remover it(refer to first problem) and lastly I DON'T WANT THIS THING TO LEAK. The tranny is drained and the rear bearing/yoke are out so the case is vented but I can't get in enough to clean it properly. What would you guys do? My thought is to use stainless or like a nickel 99 and do short 1" beads in a veed out crack. Low amps and short weld time. Let each cool a couple minutes in between with the help of a torch about 6-8 inches away. Dave PS- Thx in advance for any input.

[pressurewelder]

Only thing I can add is peen between welding

[weldonwelding]

The first thing i would do is clean off all oils and fluids both inside and out the best u can. If you heat the cast iron with any contaminants on it then it may absorb it and make the cast unweldable. I have used a tig torch with 316 stainless filler on (ACHF)...yes ACHF on transfer cases and transmissions before and it worked out pretty good. U may also wana drill a few expansion holes before u do any pre heating or welding so it doesnt crack further. The main thing is to have it clean before u apply any heat.

[aametalmaster]

If it was mine i would vee if i could, clean and preheat and burn out as much oil as i could. I would use a good cast iron rod (just my preference over SS) and weld small welds peening as i go. If you get cracks or bubbles grind out and reweld. The oil is going to be a problem as its soaked deep in the crack. Just my thoughts...Bob

[Tryagn5]

The crack likely came form vibration, if you weld it, it will crack very soon. I would bet the drivetrain has a balance issue. A bettar repair would be the lock and stich method. Basically it uses set screws tapped into each other, it works very well and will last, if you weld it, I give it a week before it cracks again. Google lock and stich. I have repaired holes in blocks and it has not failed yet.
Kevin

[abprt]

If you are able to drill the crack, use the lock and stitch procedure. Works wonders on cast iron and aluminum.

[jrscgsr]

If you are able to drill the crack, use the lock and stitch procedure. Works wonders on cast iron and aluminum.

^
This

If you weld on a constrained cast iron part it will crack.

[weldonwelding]

i have welded many transmissions, transfer cases, blocks, rears, boiler tanks... etc. With that method or with utp 55 or 99 rods. I have jus had better luck with 308.

[weldonwelding]

Thats good to hear man. I know that cast can be a headache.