Questions and Answers

Stuck Transmission Revisited Q. Hi Vince, I have some good new and some bad news. The good news is I have the transmission out, the bad news is that there was 11 bolts holding my transmission/bell housing to the engine. In the process of working on getting it out the bell housing cracked before I discovered the 11th bolt!

So now my new question is what type of rod can be used to repair the crack? The transmission/Bell housing are 1 piece and are made of a light weight alloy. Ive tried electrodes for cast iron but it does not work, so do you know if there is some type of Oxy/Act rod or Arc welding rod I can use?

Again,
Thanks for you help,
Tom

A. I looked at my diagram again and, I have to admit I mis-counted the bolts, there are 11. For this I apologize.

The case is a magnesium ally and can only be welded using a special arc welder and techniques. If it is a bolt ear that broke off, I wouldn't worry about it. I've done this before and the other ten bolts are enough to hold it in properly and securely. If the bell housing is cracked, then you need to take it to a welding shop that has the equipment to properly weld it.

I'm sorry for the bad advice and I hope you'll forgive me.