[TR] Cast iron welding and repair information

[Michael Porter]

Randall wrote:
> This link was posted on another list, I thought it might be of general
> interest.
>
> http://www.locknstitch.com/CastIronWelding.htm
>
>   

Yeah, from what I can see on the site, they are trying to establish best 
practice.  But, in practical experience, I've seen cast-iron repairs 
were adequate for the intended use.  An old Allis-Chalmers four-cylinder 
block crack repaired with a half-assed welding job that was perfectly 
satisfactory for an engine that didn't exceed 1300 rpm.  A very 
expensive Caterpillar six-cylinder block that was repaired with the best 
Eutectic cast-iron arc rod available, done by a good welder and the 
repair was indistinguishable from the original after stress relief, 
except for the color of the repair.  I myself arc-welded up a crack in a 
`58 Mercedes 220S exhaust manifold when no parts were available at 
reasonable cost that turned out to be quite serviceable.


I think stress relief is the key to most good cast-iron repairs, since 
even the best available rods are pretty hard compared to the base 
material, and arc-welding contributes to the brittleness of the 
interstice between cast material and the repair material because of the 
high heat involved and the air-cooling of the exposed material, which 
can make for some weird stresses.


Cheers.

-- 


Michael Porter
Roswell, NM


Never let anyone drive you crazy when you know it's within walking distance....