Welding up cracks in 4-speed shifter

[charliec]

I have a couple of small cracks in the shifter lugs for the 833. Should I just weld over the cracks, or should I grind a small groove through (and a little past) the cracks? It seems like the latter would do more to arrest the crack and join parent parts better. Am I right?

 

[charliec]

Forgot to include photos.

 

[CFD244]

Definitely grind. My 2 cents.

 

[72bluNblu]

That’s going to take some work if you don’t want it to just crack again. It’s location in the corner at the flex point mean that fatigue, work hardening and crack propagation will have damaged a lot of the surrounding metal that you’ll be welding to.

Stop drilling it, grinding a groove for the weld bead, and then welding would be the best solution. But at that location the crack will still probably recur eventually. You can buy those shift plates separately and replace them in rebuilding the shift box.

 

[cudascott]

I agree with 72bluNblu just replace the parts and as for the shift rods they are tempered so I wouldn’t weld on them. Brewers should have all the parts you need to repair the shifter.

 

[mcodecuda]

I agree with 72bluNblu just replace the parts and as for the shift rods they are tempered so I wouldn’t weld on them. Brewers should have all the parts you need to repair the shifter.

I agree. Those parts are hardened so they will crack again.

 

[charliec]

Thanks all. Will check Brewers and go that route.

 

[CFD244]

I agree. Those parts are hardened so they will crack again.

Can you not re-harden with a quench after welding?

1) heat red hot and let cool naturally to anneal.
2) grind and weld.
3) heat red hot & quench in oil.
4) heat blue hot & quench in water.

Would this not be acceptable if hardening is a concern?