Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: Varche on 01 November 2011, 11:29:50

Title: Repairing a snapped cast alloy housing
Post by: Varche on 01 November 2011, 11:29:50

I have a snapped transmission brake "caliper" off my small garden tractor.

It is proving to be difficult to source either a new or s/h part as it is maybe 20 years old. Tecumseh peerless gearbox and axle.

Question is can a repair be effected on alloy?

Title: Re: Repairing a snapped cast alloy housing
Post by: Matchless on 01 November 2011, 12:01:26

I guess the answer depends on what loads are applied to the snapped part, if it is just location then you might be OK with metal loaded epoxy such as JB Weld, provided you can de-grease the joint properly.
Alloy can be welded but you really should find someone with experience and a TIG welder.

Title: Re: Repairing a snapped cast alloy housing
Post by: Gaffers on 01 November 2011, 12:15:02

There was a product tested in a sailing magasine which was designed to chemically weld alloys together.  It was not as strong as the original so I am not sure if it is suitable for a brake caliper.  I'll try and dig it out tonight.

Title: Re: Repairing a snapped cast alloy housing
Post by: Varche on 01 November 2011, 12:34:42

This is a picture of the device. Pressing the clutch down fully with a size twelve then engages the brake. That applies pressure to two pins held by this housing which in turn presses the two brake pads against the trasmission brake.

There is a certain amount of pressure but I suspect over zealous use broke it. Might try a "glue"repair while locating a replacement. Thanks.
(http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww248/Moleones/brakeholder002.jpg)

Title: Re: Repairing a snapped cast alloy housing
Post by: Gaffers on 01 November 2011, 13:51:22

If you try a glue repair may I suggest a decent 2-part epoxy, not the type you acn get in the supermarket I mean the type you build boats and planes with.  You will have to add colouring additives or paint it to avoid UV damage.  I am not sure what you can get out in Spain, but from experience it seems pretty available in most European Countries.  a 100ml kit will probably set you back around £20 + delivery but is very much worth it.  Make sure you apply proberly with clean surfaces, and let it cure for a long time (whatever the pack says +72 hours) at the right temp (v important) It will set rock hard and will only come off if you leave any grease otherwise you'll have to chisel it off.

Dont forget IPE either, it's horrid stuff to get on your skin.

Title: Re: Repairing a snapped cast alloy housing
Post by: Andy B on 01 November 2011, 14:02:12

Quote from: Matchless on 01 November 2011, 12:01:26

.....Alloy can be welded but you really should find someone with experience and a TIG welder.

 ........ with AC on the TIG set too.  ;) ;)

Title: Re: Repairing a snapped cast alloy housing
Post by: Olympia5776 on 01 November 2011, 14:06:05

It's difficult to see the break in detail but could you drill and dowel the two parts together in conjunction with a 2 part epoxy adhesive ?

Title: Re: Repairing a snapped cast alloy housing
Post by: Varche on 01 November 2011, 14:35:00

Thanks for those suggestions. The dowel idea I like too.

Guffer - this 20pound epoxy plus postage. Can you show me one on Ebay.co.uk pls?  If not may just get some JB weld

TIG welder. There must be some around here but will be tucked away on an industrial estate.. Will try Spanish yellow pages.

Title: Re: Repairing a snapped cast alloy housing
Post by: Gaffers on 01 November 2011, 14:55:21

I will have a dig around on eBay tonight for you.  Cant do it at work  ::)

Title: Re: Repairing a snapped cast alloy housing
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 01 November 2011, 15:38:04

Quote from: Andy B on 01 November 2011, 14:02:12

Quote from: Matchless on 01 November 2011, 12:01:26

.....Alloy can be welded but you really should find someone with experience and a TIG welder.

 ........ with AC on the TIG set too.  ;) ;)

Idealy yes but it works pretty well if you pulse it on DC  :y

Title: Re: Repairing a snapped cast alloy housing
Post by: mantahatch on 01 November 2011, 15:43:08

Ally welding is common these days. Last thing I had done was nippers clutch lever on his bike. Cost me a massive £5.

Shame you are not closer, what am I saying shame I am not closer to you  :D

Title: Re: Repairing a snapped cast alloy housing
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 01 November 2011, 17:42:44

I bought one of these kits a while ago for a job on my motorbike, but never used it.  It was recommended by a bloke I knew who worked at a fabricators.....

http://www.techno-weld.co.uk/home.html

Maybe there's a Spanish distributor?  :-\

Title: Re: Repairing a snapped cast alloy housing
Post by: Gaffers on 01 November 2011, 20:36:12

As promised:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/west-system-epoxy-resin-105-205-Junior-Pack-600g-/260858111561?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_BoatEquipment_Accessories_SM&hash=item3cbc5ae649 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/west-system-epoxy-resin-105-205-Junior-Pack-600g-/260858111561?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_BoatEquipment_Accessories_SM&hash=item3cbc5ae649)

Title: Re: Repairing a snapped cast alloy housing
Post by: rob in gib on 01 November 2011, 21:11:46

Varche i can get you some west system epoxy at trade price (although will be Gibraltar trade)
the best degreaser i have found is Air intake cleaner then run parts through the dishwasher (do not tell the wife)
I also like the idea of a dowel bieng added

HTH
Rob

Title: Re: Repairing a snapped cast alloy housing
Post by: hotel21 on 01 November 2011, 22:43:08

As I cannot actually visualise where or what the part actually does.....

Can you not make a suitable replacement?   :-\