John Deere 850 crack in water jacket

[mgsolakis]

Is a crack in the outer block water jacket fixable. I have heard of people welding it but can the whole part be replaced or is that a whole engine replacement?

 

[airbiscuit]

Post a pic if you can. Welding cast is tricky, but it can be done. It depends on how big, and where. I had a crack in the rear end housing of a Farmall H. I sanded it down, cleaned it with lacquer thinner and patched it with JB Weld. No Leaks for 20 years!

Ask a good welding shop

 

[nyone]

It really just has to hold the coolant pressure correct? I would try and weld it my self but of it still leaked I would be giving it a nice coat of JB weld. I can put up with a bit of coolant leak..some people cant.

 

[airbiscuit]

Here is the pinning method.

 

[airbiscuit]

 

[airbiscuit]

 

[mag410]

I have watched some interesting videos of in situ repairs using LOCK-N-STICH products.

Precision Metal Stitching Repair - Turlock, CA - LOCK-N-STITCH Inc.

 

[deereman75]

I can and have welded water jackets before. Usually on engines from vintage things that can't be replaced. Done right it can be successful. I am not sure I would consider it a DIY job though.

 

[mrmikey]

I am not sure I would consider it a DIY job though.

Yup, agree with you deeman. I've welded a few using Nirod 55, they were successful but could have just as easily been a waste of time. It's a cold welding process where you don't let the piece get warmer than you can hold your hand on it and peen it after each short bead.
Epoxy will work sometimes but worst is if it doesn't then you have a bunch of crad you have to clean off before you can attempt to weld it.
As was said, post a couple of pics.
Side note, worse than that is someone who tries to repair their aluminum boat with silicone and then brings it to you asking if you can fix it after.....not fun............Mike

 

[Williy]

Have you tried the cast iron cement for wood stoves??
works great on the 454 exhaust manifolds

willy