Primary Cover Repair

[reebis]

Long story short, bike went over on it's stand and the shifter punched a hole in the primary cover. It doesn't look like a very large hole, but enough to have all the primary fluid leak out.

Fellow Buell experts...I have a friend who is pretty skilled at TIG welding. Would you recommend I get him to weld in the small leak? I've be getting the cover powder coated right after, but was just wondering if anyone has done something similar.

TIA!

-bob

 

[J_Undisputed]

I'm sure it can be welded. The problem will be getting the area free of oil and contamination. I think he'll need to purge it with gas. Its aluminum, I believe so it should be able to be welded under the right conditions. A few guys have tried to JB weld theirs as a temporary solution...Just my opinion, but I'd be looking for a new one eventually, for piece of mind. Good luck whichever route you decide to go.

 

[Theycallmecrash]

Ive seen some crazy crap welded with success. Lets see a picture see the extent of damage.

 

[user_deleted]

TIG it and if you want double insurance put a very fine film of three-bond sealant on the inside of repair prior to reinstalling it. surface has to be really oil free and dry for it to adher. use the three-bond that does NOT need pressure applied to cure.

 

[Timeless]

I'm not sure the grade of aluminum used for the cover, but it is likely weldable. If your friend knows what he is doing, it shouldn't be a problem to weld the hole.

 

[BuellSki]

It's cast. I'm not saying it can't be done. But it's a pain in the ass to weld. Aluminum is extremely touchy. Any oil or grease will cause it to mess up. If he does weld it successfully. I would definitely put some three-bond on the inside. Just to be safe.

BuellSki

 

[mattcreswell]

Buellski is correct. Could work but it could look shitty. With the time & effort involved in getting it prepped, welded & putting a finish on it, you will probably wish you had bought a new one that has the factory finish & bolts up with no issues or leaks. Just my $.02

 

[reebis]

Thanks for the advice everyone!

The hole doesn't look like much from the outside, just a depression that kind of mimics the back of the shifter. I'm going to pull it off in the next day or so and give it good eyeball to assess the damage. I didn't even think about if it was cast or not. I'll wait for the final inspection, but just might run some jb weld for the next few weeks to end the season and then replace it during the winter. I've got a whole list to do anyway...starting with rocker box gaskets.

here's a pic of the damage..

 

[thrstrmech]

isopropyl alcohol to clean both surfaces prior to welding and or adding any type of bonding material