The Hodaka Club Forum

I have some model 93 engine cases that I bought recently and just noticed a small break in the upper left case. Some dummy took a prybar to the engine to disassemble it and broke it. I was thinking about buying some aluminum brazing rod and trying to seal it up. I also have some other cases that have some cracks in them. Does anyone have any experience welding cases with aluminum brazing rods? I sure would like to be able to do some repairs and use these cases. I dont have a TIG welding machine anymore and I think brazing would be better to prevent heat warping the cases. Thanks

I have quite a bit of experience welding the cases with the aluminium brazing rods. It will work with propane or map gas but you will have to put a lot of heat in. Oxy acyetlene will give you more heat but a higher risk of melting the case. Ali shows almost no sign that it's about to melt so be careful. Using map gas I found the best way is to preheat the cases in a BBQ and even weld when on the grill. You will need a stainless steel wire brush to clean the bit you are working on . It will oxidise I. Seconds so brush it right before you weld. Another thing ; this stuff will melt if you reapply heat so it's tricky to weld close to a weld repair as it's easy to destroy what you just did. If you are successful you will have a very durable repair.

Kev

If you don't want to risk brazing I do repair many cases with tig if your interested call me . Or message me.

Rich

Tig is the way to go. I've watched the guy I take my stuff to & the only thing he complains about is IF I don't get the part(s) clean enough the tig will sputter & pit. But it goes fast and is extremely strong, if done by someone who knows what they are doing. If you can't find someone local, send it to Rich! ; D Victor

Thank you Gentlemen for the advice. I will probably send some cases to Rich. Yes TIG is probably best. But I will try some aluminum brazing on a case myself.