372 crankcase repair bad spot

[Rcat8872]

Hey Guys
My 372 is cracked right where the oil fill cap threads are. It really leaks bad. I think JB Weld might fix it but how do I get a good seal? I need to leave the cap inserted during the repair but how do I keep the JB from permanently bonding to it? I’m currently looking for a replacement crankcase but would like a short term fix in the meantime.
Thanks!

 

[svk]

Maybe screw in the cap with Saran Wrap around it?

 

[Rcat8872]

Yeah, I thought about plastic wrap or some really thin rubber membrane material. I’ve also thought about Vaseline or some type of release agent that the JB won’t stick to. Thanks for the input!

 

[svk]

Vaseline would also work but you’d probably have issues with it contaminating the JB or case surface.

 

[Deleted member 117362]

I have a flywheel side half and would just do a permanent repair.

 

[Sepia]

Vaseline would also work but you’d probably have issues with it contaminating the JB or case surface.

I was going to say the same thing. We used to do epoxy coatings at work and everything that we didn't want epoxy on got a smear of vaseline.

 

[pioneerguy600]

Paste wax.

 

[Henry E]

Car wax, shoe polish. Check out a rifle bedding video to see what they use and to convince yourself your not going to glue in the cap.

 

[Brownthumb]

KY Jelly, never tried it tho.

 

[Justsaws]

Replace the case. The first hard knock and it will leak again as the cracks spread.

 

[drf255]

Degrease it, add a light coating of oil to the cap only and install. Make some dams up with clay and try JB, just unscrew the cap when the JB stiffens up but is still pliable.

You have nothing to lose.

I’m amazed at what JB weld has fixed over the years. It’s great for filling areas, not great for structural issues.

 

[Yotaismygame]

Pretty sure I have a few extra flywheel side halves too if you need one. Always the pto side that goes first.

 

[irhunter]

Paste wax.

^^^^ +1

Many substances will work as a release material. I use Johnson Paste Wax...available at many hardware stores.

One coat, let dry 30 min; second coat, let dry 60 minutes. Good to go.

https://www.amazon.com/SC-Johnson-P...ords=johnsons+paste+wax&qid=1583345676&sr=8-2

 

[pioneerguy600]

^^^^ +1

Many substances will work as a release material. I use Johnson Paste Wax...available at many hardware stores.

One coat, let dry 30 min; second coat, let dry 60 minutes. Good to go.

https://www.amazon.com/SC-Johnson-P...ords=johnsons+paste+wax&qid=1583345676&sr=8-2

Once you get real good with paste wax move on up to liquid paraffin.

 

[Rcat8872]

Ok guys, I’m gonna continue looking for a case or case half locally but in the meantime I’m gonna try JB weld just for the heck of it. I like the past wax and Vaseline ideas but am also considering wrapping the oil cap threads with Teflon plumbers tape since I figure it’ll lay nicely in the threads. I’ll let y’all know if it works or not.