My crack is showing !

[Save Old Iron 1,571]

That's the crack in my mower deck.

Let's say the crack is 2 inches long. Should I make an attempt to "stop" the crack by drilling small holes at each end of the crack to stop it from migrating?

Or just weld it up and call it a day?

[rmaynard 16,291]

My opinion is to weld 'er up.

Bob

[rickv1957 74]

Depending on crack location,access,and metal thicknesss,I would clean area of rust and/or paint,v-out crack on both sides and weld up,Rick

[catman81056 3]

Is it in an area of high stress or is it rust on the underside? Either way I'd cut it out and weld a patch in its place. But thats just me.

[HorseFixer 2,013]

WELD ER UP CHUCK! :omg:

[Butch 194]

save_old_iron as a former assembler of Gulfstream Aviation aircraft drilling holes at each end is good for stopping the crack from extending. When we had a small rip or tear from a rivet hole our fix was to drill the hole to a larger diameter and put a larger rivet in. And every hole was inspected whether it was a new hole or a repaired hole.

Butch

S. Jersey

[sorekiwi 761]

I'm glad you didnt post a picture of your crack, Chuck!!

You said you wanted to learn how to weld, perfect excuse (opportunity?) for a new welder!

[oldandred 15]

well pull up your pants then no welding needed :D

[Don1977 605]

Cracked decks is not a good place to learn to weld. Find a good welder is my advice.

Learn to weld on something that is a lot easer to weld. Thin rusted decks is one of the hardest things to weld.

[Save Old Iron 1,571]

I'm glad you didnt post a picture of your crack, Chuck!!

The night is still young Mike.

Maybe I'll hold off to post that pic so everyone can check it out over their Cheerio's this morning.

[Save Old Iron 1,571]

save_old_iron as a former assembler of Gulfstream Aviation aircraft drilling holes at each end is good for stopping the crack from extending. When we had a small rip or tear from a rivet hole our fix was to drill the hole to a larger diameter and put a larger rivet in. And every hole was inspected whether it was a new hole or a repaired hole.

Butch

S. Jersey

That's what I was looking for - I remembered reading something about that process being the best way to "stop" a crack from growing (other than pulling up my pants !!).

I was not sure if it was for just aluminum or if cast iron / steel could also benefit from it as well.

[chris11 184]

Sorry to hear about your crack Chuck. Sounds like a snack. your going to have to weld it . :omg:

[tarcoleo 119]

Chuck-

Thin rusted metal is not readily weldable, especially when is is necessary to remove

a lot of material to get to sound areas. If the location permits, overlay the area

with a steel patch and weld and/or rivet the patch in place, depending on skill and

location. Good luck.

Tom in RI

[rickv1957 74]

Chuck,What I have learned in my 52 years as motorhead is drilling end of cracks mostly on castiron and fiberglass,my.02,Rick