Aluminum Block repair

[Jack345]

I've come across a AIR COMPRESSOR that has a hair line crack on the Aluminum block. Compressor runs good but leaks a little oil. Is there any help for it like epoxy? Any ideas ? Thanks.

 

[jon f mn]

Show a pic of it. Most aluminum can be welded. Putting other stuff on there will usually ruin it for welding later.

 

[Den N Ms]

jack345,Heliarc weld would be the proper repair for your block,(Cleaned) and Ved out then welded,and as jon f mn said JB weld is not a good repair if it has to be welded at a later time.

 

[Jiles]

(quoted from post at 05:48:34 02/03/15) I've come across a AIR COMPRESSOR that has a hair line crack on the Aluminum block. Compressor runs good but leaks a little oil. Is there any help for it like epoxy? Any ideas ? Thanks.

I would first investigate what caused the crack. If it was from an outside blow, and is small, I would simply coat the inside ,after a thorough cleaning, with [b:7ba0283ca3]Seal-All[/b:7ba0283ca3]. I have used it inside diesel and gasoline fuel tanks and have not had a failure.
This is a fantastic liquid in a small tube that is similar to silicone caulking, but is not effected by gasoline/oil.
I have used it many times for many different repairs. Most big box stores carry it. It is a little pricey and will set up like caulk if not sealed and stored in refrigerator

 

[Jack345]

A follow-up. I called customer service about crack in block, this is what the rep said. " repair from inside using JB WELD, "V" out the crack, sand with 40 or 60 grit paper apply JB let set up proper DO NOT USE JB WELD QUICK. Welding is not a good idea as its a alloy pot metal block". Rep had 20+ years with company & said they have had much better results with JB than welding.

 

[01gentdc]

DO Not WELD ,,.I just had a 12 inch crack successfully repaired on a cast iron tractor engine ,NO HEAT Or WELDS Whatsoever ,,a lot easier and far less of agamble , and a sure fix
,drill holes into the crackthread lokin bolts into the hole titen and shear off like a pop rivet ,,google crack block repair

 

[Bob - MI]

I realize this is a bit of an old post but the block is likely an aluminum die-casting. Most die casters prefer to use an alloy called A380. It's got a very high silicon content that makes the metal flow easily but silicon also embrittles the alloy at room temperature.

Die-cast parts are very difficult to TIG weld due to high levels of internal porosity from the die lubricants used.

I would suggest either JB weld or silicone to stop the oil leak.