Tips on welding a cracked block
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Kansas City, going back to Cali
Tips on welding a cracked block
I have a 2003 CBR954RR and apparently that year some of the blocks are prone to getting a hairline crack in front of the #1/2 cylinder about a inch and half down from the deck
(the 2002's dont have problems). The engine is still in the bike and I hope I dont have to remove it to complete the fix, the coolant doesn't leak from the crack until the pressure starts to build. Is it possible to weld the crack up without warping or resurfacing the deck? Preheat? Any advice/help will be appreciated.
(the 2002's dont have problems). The engine is still in the bike and I hope I dont have to remove it to complete the fix, the coolant doesn't leak from the crack until the pressure starts to build. Is it possible to weld the crack up without warping or resurfacing the deck? Preheat? Any advice/help will be appreciated.
Working
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 8,571
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From: Knoxville,TN U.S.
Re: Tips on welding a cracked block
What have other people done to fix this issue? I ask because there is clearly a bit of information out there otherwise you would not know when where and how the crack developed.
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Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Kansas City, going back to Cali
Re: Tips on welding a cracked block
Lol JB weld is a temporary fix it eventually disappears after a few heat cycles. (It did cross my mind)
Other people either swap out the engine, JB weld, aluminum epoxy, TIG weld, braze... And it seems like they get rid of or trade in their bike afterwords. Thats the problem I dont want to get rid of my bike or swap out the engine. Brazing was next on my list.
If I drop the engine I'm going to want to "improve" it... Then this becomes more expensive and time consuming then I want it to be at the moment. Drill at various spots along the crack or just at the ends?
Im just looking at all my options right now, thanks for all the input so far.
Other people either swap out the engine, JB weld, aluminum epoxy, TIG weld, braze... And it seems like they get rid of or trade in their bike afterwords. Thats the problem I dont want to get rid of my bike or swap out the engine. Brazing was next on my list.
If I drop the engine I'm going to want to "improve" it... Then this becomes more expensive and time consuming then I want it to be at the moment. Drill at various spots along the crack or just at the ends?
Im just looking at all my options right now, thanks for all the input so far.
OG Fabricator
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,342
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From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Re: Tips on welding a cracked block
Brazing is your best option. Least amount of heat input,etc. Aluminum brazing rod is not that common though.
Drill the ends and groove the surface slightly about 1/8" deep with a carbide bur.
Biggest thing will be cleaning. It will have to be nearly spotless.
Drill the ends and groove the surface slightly about 1/8" deep with a carbide bur.
Biggest thing will be cleaning. It will have to be nearly spotless.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 58
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From: Kansas City, going back to Cali
Re: Tips on welding a cracked block
^^ Thanks for the tips
Would brazing be considered a long term fix or just a step up from JB weld? If it will hold up this is the way I will go.
I found "HTS 2000" on ebay less than $20 for a starter kit...
Would brazing be considered a long term fix or just a step up from JB weld? If it will hold up this is the way I will go.
I found "HTS 2000" on ebay less than $20 for a starter kit...
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