Mig Welding Alloys

[Philip Tomkins]

Hi Guys,

I'm new to the forum, and never done any welding (done a bit of lead welding)

My first project may be a trial by fire. I very recently purchased a crash damaged bike with some damage to the stator cover and engine casing.

I basically need to build up some cracked/split bolt holes in an engine case and then drill and retap or helicoil the bolt holes.

Is this practical with a Mig welder? if so what sort of wire and gas etc would I be looking at and is their any recommendations on welders, I was looking at a 180amp for basic bodywork repair but apart from picking the right size for weld thickness I don't know much about what brands to stay clear of or what to go for?

I've added a pic so you can take a look at what needs to be done. I'm looking to practice on the stator cover which hopefully is the same material as the engine casing.

Thanks in advance
-Phil

 

[Pete.]

Hi Phil,

No that is not at all practical with a mig welder and before you spend any money I would suggest you remove the remainder of the cover and with it the stator, and check the rotor is running true because often this kind of damage results in a bent crankshaft taper. Yours doesn't look bad enough in all honesty but do check it first to avoid heartache later.

 

[Philip Tomkins]

Thanks for the advice.

The stator case has been removed and visually it all looks good. With no visible damage to the windings etc. But ill take a closer look at the flywheel and crankshaft taper.

Regards
Phil

 

[Pete.]

You need only place a marker near the rim of the rotor and turn the engine with a spanner on the opposite end of the crank. Have someone watch the gap it will be obvious if it's running out. If you do pull the rotor don't be tempted to use any kind of hammering force, the magnets are very fragile.

 

[Richard.]

If that's all you have of it I'd personally say it's a little beyond practical repair and I'd be looking to source another.
I say practical because with with the right equipment it's doable but from what I can see that needs a huge build up and a lot of work from proper gear to get it back to shape and fit.

 

[Pete.]

I don't think he's planning to build up the cover Richard, just the minor damage on the bottom casing.

 

[Richard.]

I don't think he's planning to build up the cover Richard, just the minor damage on the bottom casing.

Ah yes. A proper re read and I can see it's clear now. Cheers Pete.

 

[Philip Tomkins]

Haha, I'm not that sadistic. The cover will be replaced.

I just need to decide wether I pay some one to do the job or learn to TIG Weld. Looking at the procedure it does look far more involved

Phil

 

[Pete.]

You need to pay someone to do that if you want even a half-decent job. Learning to tig weld is very satisfying but that's not a part you want to be working on as a novice.

 

[Mee]

Agree, TIG weld it.

 

[outofthefire]

Running ally wire through a standard mig welder is a pain in it's self before you even try welding, I'd pay someone else if I were you.

 

[ukracer]

Running ally wire through a standard mig welder is a pain in it's self before you even try welding, I'd pay someone else if I were you.

I have Ali in my mig at times and as stated it's a pain.. however it does work for some things. Not that IMHO.

My advice is pay someone to weld that who knows what they are doing. Starting tig welding is not easy even on flat plate.

 

[Kent]

Send it to someone who is used to it. Not a job for a guy used to doing clean chequer plate and such- someone who has specific repair Experiance of this type

Ask locally among the proper garages