layin-lo

Just replaced the transmission input shaft bearing in my '03 and got it all back together - runs great but just noticed this small crack in the transmission housing right around the thread area for the plug you pull to access the countershaft set ring that seals the two halves of the case together.. not sure if the ring was all the way seated because there was a high pitch whining the first time I started the engine for about five seconds or so, or either maybe I stressed the case trying to get the damn thing to set in the first place. At this point I have a seam in the case that's not supposed to be there.. Anyone know if JB weld or something like that would work on this? Thx.

ezone

Got a welding shop that can do aluminum?

kinakoes2

Ouch...

For a trans, I would not trust JB Weld. For crawling home to avoid a strand, maybe... but I agree with a proper weld to solve this permanently.

Thing with welding cast aluminum though... the porosity of a cast alumnum part affects how well the weld takes (forging solves this well... but I don't know if Honda automotive trans cases are forged).

I had a cast/machined sidestand ear snap off in my infamous 70-mph-into-tirewall track crash on my bike years ago... had a skilled welder and racing bud offer to repair it for a song... he had a helluva time building up the material, esp on an upside-down area (the ear was located under the case... which promptly taught me to remove sidestands from *any* bike seeing track duty ). But we got it done... barely.

Points to how you NEED a skilled shop that specializes in these kind of repairs, to do it right. In the end you want a repair that's stronger than the original part, and that takes more than lip service.

layin-lo

Well, the deed is done - took a dremel tool with a long straight diamond tip and Vee-d out the crack, even tried drilling into at at one end but i couldn't get a good angle and the bit broke off inside . Think they call that stitching it, but whatever. At that point I had half a mind just to get out the Oxy torch and have a go at it, but I've never done any aluminum before. Have to say, I felt a little like a dentist trying to patch up a tooth that really should have a crown, and I even used enough Brake-kleen it kinda felt like there was a little nitrous in the room.. heheh. So now just get to watch it and see how long it holds, drove it hard for about 40 miles in all gears and everything is real smooth, just hope the tranny fluid doesn't eat through that JB weld any time soon. Cheers