Lotus Elan

Transmission case Crack

PostPost by: loueelotus » Fri Apr 05, 2024 4:05 pm

Resized_20240329_111828_1711727693475.jpeg and
I found an issue with my transmission case drain plug hole. There is a crack as the photos show it is about an inch long. The lower part is not cracked and is not leaking. What can be done? The easiest way.. It has always leaked a bit, so I think it was repaired many years ago.. as the photos show. an old repair..
Thanks.
Lou
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Resized_20240329_094802_1711727693653.jpeg and
Last edited by loueelotus on Fri Apr 05, 2024 4:31 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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PostPost by: h20hamelan » Fri Apr 05, 2024 4:13 pm

I doubt it is a crack
Rather from manufacturing
See if you can get a knife in the “crack”
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PostPost by: loueelotus » Fri Apr 05, 2024 4:35 pm

Yes I can.. A thin razor on the tip when the tapered plug is tight.. I added an close up photo before marking it..
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PostPost by: promotor » Fri Apr 05, 2024 6:32 pm

The easiest way is the way that solves it properly.
In my mind that is fitting a replacement casing. Once you've done that you can forget about whether the repair is going to withstand use or not.
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PostPost by: loueelotus » Fri Apr 05, 2024 6:47 pm

Where can I get a case if need be?
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PostPost by: Baggy2 » Fri Apr 05, 2024 9:01 pm

FWIW Despite my pessimism my son in law had remarkable results with carefully applied JBweld on the cracked gearbox of his modern daily driver.
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PostPost by: elans3 » Fri Apr 05, 2024 9:29 pm

It's cracked because the plug has been overtightened. Easiest way is JB Weld, which can last a longtime !. Proper way is a weld.
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PostPost by: Ianashdown » Sat Apr 06, 2024 12:08 am

JB Weld is a very good structural adhesive. Dont get the fast cure, but the original overnight curing one.

The trick will be the prep. The better you can clean all oils or greases, abrade the surface, then final clean with alcohol, the better your results will be.

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PostPost by: berni29 » Sat Apr 06, 2024 9:22 am

Hi

Unless its no issue for you to get the trans out then go with the JB weld and follow the advice RE cleaning and prep. That is where most people go wrong.

Best of luck

Berni
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PostPost by: loueelotus » Sat Apr 06, 2024 1:17 pm

20240331_192452.jpg
2 coats extreme JB
20240331_192452.jpg (38.7 KiB) Viewed 901 times
Thank you all with your info. Sanded and cleaned the crack very well before with brake fluid cleaner and dried it very well. I am now doing it with JB weld high heat 2 - Little 3 ounce plastic bottles (2 coats now). I will put a final coat tomorrow of the professional JB weld (2 tubes to mix up). Hope it works.. Photos to follow. What do you think?

Lou
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17124084330511937668901076900615.jpg
extreme JB
17124084330511937668901076900615.jpg (57.04 KiB) Viewed 900 times
20240406_090317.jpg
to be put on last coat
20240406_090317.jpg (48.92 KiB) Viewed 900 times
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PostPost by: elans3 » Sat Apr 06, 2024 5:41 pm

Should be ok provided to got well into the crack with your cleaner and an old toothbrush or ear bud before applying the JB Weld.. Let us know if it's done the trick when you've run it a while !
Current :- Elan S3 DHC SE S/S 1968,
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Elan S3 FHC Pre-Airflow 1966
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PostPost by: 2cams70 » Sat Apr 06, 2024 11:13 pm

Must be good stuff. According to this blurb from the internet “tougher than steel” . Also good to repair a crack in the control arm on your race car:


“Since their epoxy products dry 'tougher than steel', their use is limited only to your imagination. J-B Weld is great to use in the garage on any of your project cars, however it is just as well suited to various applications around the home for anything in need of some TLC. A handy trick for those who drive their cars to within an inch of their life is to keep some J-B Weld handy in the car. Split your fuel tank on a rock whilst 4-wheel driving or noticed a crack in your subframe or control arm whilst thrashing your beast on the race-track? J-B Weld can offer a strong bond to get you home when replacement parts are not immediately available. J-B Weld has expanded their range substantially since '69 to cover more bases than just their 2-part epoxy solutions, their range now covers:”

Maybe Boeing use this stuff on their aircraft
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PostPost by: h20hamelan » Sun Apr 07, 2024 12:05 am

Boeing only uses it to seal doors

I was surprised to see the JB, though thats what I would do.
Figured folks knew were were speaking of a Canadian repair, where only duct tape and tie wire are recognized.
Very international
Born, and brought home from the hospital (no seat belt (wtf)) in a baby!
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