Forum:
Any ideas how I can fix this easily?
(don't know if image popped up in message, please check out " http://www.daihatsu-drivers.co.uk/node/9424 ")
Will some kind of metal compound work? Basically I don't feel like ripping the guts out or finding a local aluminium welder. How terminal is this if I patch it? I rarely run in in 4WD, cos even off road I can go most places in 2WD, but I do run round in 5th gear a lot, to give you an idea how much (ab)use the 'box gets.
'Box/ Transer case crack
Hi
Doesn't look too bad, I assume it is LEAKNG OIL?
I think I would try one of the huge Araldite Range which have one specific to this type of job, or METALLOY which is a paste with metal in some kind of catiliser , or an epoxy resin. I tried some of the metal Araldite with very limmited succes on a Lawnmower Carb and ended up using old fashion, clear, epoxy resin which worked 100% once left to cure for a week
The main problem will be getting the job clean enough and I'd suggest Meths for that. There are some other effective pastes on the market but regardless I think you are at best looking at a temporary solution as most of these once contaminated with oil will let go. I did see a paint on product on QVC that would seal anything regardles of whether it was covered in water or gundge, how effective this type would be, I suspect not at all and, it was only available in 5ltr pot.
I would at least try one and you may be lucky.
OLDMINIMAN
M J Young
leaking oil? you betcha
Yes, you guessed it. I cleaned it up to find the source of the leak, but the stuff is flying out under normal circumstances. Here's an idea of the gravity of the situation http://www.daihatsu-drivers.co.uk/node/9433
When you said it doesn't look that bad, that made me feel a bit better about it anyway.
I got some Metal Alloy paste, and like you said, it may be temporary, but it's all I can come up with right now. I assume in the long run that an Aluminium weld will work though?
Right, now to really REALLY clean the area...
Thanks for the insight.
Leaky transfer box
I think we are agreed that it's leaking...Well it won't rust. The boxes are cast and I assume can be welded by someone capable. The alternative is to replace the unit with a secondhand unit from one being broken. I would try the cheap option first and then go for the weld before getting the spanners out.
OLDMINIMAN
M J Young
Fix or repair
I agree OMM, sourcing another, less oily piece of kit is gonna be my long-term goal. Unless the fix works so well that I totally forget it was ever cracked... or another major mechanical failure appears somewhere else on the horizon... likely as I seem to own a car in need of some major TLC. I love working on it though, beats the hell of my other half's Tucson, which bleeps and e-mails the dealer if you adjust the electric mirrors too fast and has big 'don't mess with this bit' signs under the hood/bonnet.
Pasty
Using one of the repair pastes will be successful if used correctly, my preference is Loctite, they market a range of industrial products. These cost more, but are more substantial; drain all oil from the box, preferably overnight, and clean thoroughly with a 1:1 trichloroethylene spray cleaner. Leave to dry and using a die grinder with a tiny diamond bit, cut the crack to a C profile all round, this will give the material something to bite into, clean again with the trichlo. fill the crack slowly and methodically, ensure there are no air bubbles or voids. Put a 500 watt halogen light under the vehicle, close to, and pointing at the repaired area for approximately one hour, this will accelerate the curing time. Leave the repair overnight to cure fully, fill the box with oil and run as normal.
Follow all the instructions on the trichloroethylene as this is a toxic substance, wear rubber gloves, goggles, and do not breathe in the fumes.
repair job
fortunately it was too wet and stormy to consider working on it yesterday, so i'll follow your advice, and make sure to follow the instructions you suggested. fingers crossed, and i'll keep updating on progress. thanks again.