ok to weld crank?
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2009
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ok to weld crank? ive never heard of this. i just called up the machine shop to check in on my motor n see the carnage done. he said a spun rod bearing. no issue there thats what i expected it to be. he then said my crank may need to be welded.
ive never heard of that but if my crank is that screwed up to need welded id rather buy a new one and be safe. has anyone ever had their crank welded? im thinking maybe the shop is trying to make their money rather than me spend it on a new one. im also putting in heads and cam so i def dont want something catastrophic to happen. its a 2000 ls1. 78xxx miles. let me know if any more info is needed. thanks guys!
ive never heard of that but if my crank is that screwed up to need welded id rather buy a new one and be safe. has anyone ever had their crank welded? im thinking maybe the shop is trying to make their money rather than me spend it on a new one. im also putting in heads and cam so i def dont want something catastrophic to happen. its a 2000 ls1. 78xxx miles. let me know if any more info is needed. thanks guys! 
I would say it depends on what needs to be welded and how much experience he has with that crank. When heavy metal is added to the cranks for balancing it is welded in, no big deal. But I wouldn't let some guy who's experience is limited to welding fence posts work on my crank 
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005
The bearing spun, eating away at the crank. Now the crank journal is too small bc of the material grinded away. By welding they will add new metal to replace what was lost, then machine it back to original size. This is very common practice with metal in general. However, for the price of a used crank, I would likely trash that one. The only real potential problem there is with welding it is if the weld doesnt stick good, it could cause an engine failure at any time a small chunk of weld was to release.
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but it probably won't, machinists know their stuff, if you want to spend the money for extra piece of mind that's what I would consider.
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Verdad Gallardo Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005
I had a thrust issue with a previous crank. He said he could weld the thrust area and remachine it. He said "the weld may not hold though" 
I bought a shortblock from someone on here.
I bought a shortblock from someone on here. 
Welding is a common practice with cranks. I would prefer to get another on this application, but if the guy knows what he's doing it is perfectly fine. On my nissan motor it's very common to have a shop add material to the front of the crank for the oil pump drive.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2009
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yeah im very weary. i do know three people that have had engines machined by him and all say he does good work. he has had the shop for years and its just him and sometimes an apprentice so i trust him enough to rebuild my motor i just wondered if this was a routine thing. def not trying to risk all the money ive saved and am about to lay down. thanks 01redss i understand now what he is probly talking about now. im going to talk to him more next week. they have yet to completely clean the entire engine up to check all the damage but that and the bearing appear to be it for now.
