7th October 2020 Hugh wrote:
I have an aluminium crankcase half from my 1936Triumph Tiger 80
It needs a welding repair . I recently bought this engine from an elderly gentleman who knocked it off a workbench whilst attempting to steam clean it. The engine landed on the corner of its timing case which was destroyed. The crankcase behind this casing has sustained a hairline fracture approximately 12cm long, and the broken part of the casing was pushed inwards by about 6mm.
I have stabilised the broken crankcase by attaching another outer cover. I attach photographs for your inspection, and have marked the fracture with yellow tape. Unfortunately, the fracture itself does not show up very well on photographs. If it is possible to weld the casing, particular attention would have to be paid to the following:
- An idler gear wheel rotates over the fracture, there is a clearance of about 3/16inch between the casing and gear wheel.
- The fracture extends through a threaded hole (1/4 inch Whitworth thread) to which the outer casing attaches.
- On the inward facing side of the casing, there is a platform for a magneto/dynamo unit.
again there is a similar clearance for a weld The engine is very rare, and only a few of this type were produced between April and August 1936, so I am keen to preserve it I have cleaned the casing with degreaser, detergent and carburettor cleaner solvent to remove grease. I would be very interested to hear if this crankcase is repairable, and if the external repair can be done neatly and I look forward to your reply. An estimate of costs would be greatly appreciated too.
8th October 2020, terry wrote:
Hi Hugh this should be not a major prob to do at a reasonable rate.
Our turnround at the mo is 4 days. What will be needed is the cover
that mates up the broken piece. We can do almost invisable
restorations of aluminium cases.
8th October 2020 Hugh wrote:
Thank you very much for the prompt reply, it’s just what I wanted to
hear. I will send crankcase half together with outside cover and
idler gear.
9th October 2020, terry wrote:
Hi Hugh i told you we work fast. i have fully welded both sides of the crack ie inner and outer . the outside has been dressed down and grained to look like the rest of the casting and the inner has been left with weld on as it will be needed for added strength. You will find that the gasket face is now perfectly flat . the inner weld clears the gear easily. The oil union stud has been removed without disturbing the original thread, i hate helicoils. i have fitted the stud in place. Total cost is £240 postage is in the price. bank details are 30/90/79. acc 00229388 lloyds tsb. will post monday. you wont be dissapointed.
9th October 2020, Hugh wrote:
Wow, that is an absolutely fabulous turnaround, I am pleased that you have managed to repair my engine successfully. I had doubts that you would be able to fix it. My local blacksmith destroyed a Tiger crankcase when trying to weld ia damaged bearing housing a couple of years ago, so I am glad that I found your company via the internet and sent my crankcase downtown you from Scotland.
I will go to my bank on Monday and make a transfer of £240 as per your request. I assume that the name of your account is ‘Stotfold Engineering’ , my bank usually asks for the name of the account holder whenever I make a transfer.
Thanks again for all your effort, great communication and fantastic service, I know how I will contact next time I need an engineering job.
12th october 2020, Hugh wrote:
I transferred £240 to your company account this morning.
