Should I Worry or JB Weld it?

[SNAFU1929]

Saw this while lubing and doing an oil change. What are your thoughts?
1929 Model A Tudor

[nkaminar]

JB Weld but clean thoroughly with solvent before using the epoxy. It looks like it was caused by something being forced through the housing from the inside. Check to see if there is something loose inside that would cause further damage. A bore scope might be good tool to use.

[SNAFU1929]

Originally Posted by nkaminar

JB Weld but clean thoroughly with solvent before using the epoxy. It looks like it was caused by something being forced through the housing from the inside. Check to see if there is something loose inside that would cause further damage. A bore scope might be good tool to use.

Great idea on the bore scope, although the hole might be too small, but I will order one and try it.

I am not sure if it was caused from the inside, the way it is broken, looks like something hit it from the outside. Not sure how to describe it, but it has like an inward cone shape (if that makes any sense).

My dad gave me this car last summer because he didnt want to drive it anymore, I drove it some 150-200 miles last season, but I didnt spend a lot of time crawling under it because he told me he had it lubed before sending it. So not sure if that is recent or old.

Anyway, I will try a borescope anyway, it wont hurt to try to look inside.

[old31]

SANFU, welcome to the Barn.

Do you think that he might have a bolt inside that got caught and went for a ride?

Yes, jb will work, but you need to find out what did it.

I would remove the starter, get a flexible, powerful magnet and go fishing.

[nkaminar]

A conical shape like that is more likely caused by something inside coming out. Whatever it was may be long gone. But it would be best to check. Removing the starter, like Old 31 suggested, is the best place to look inside.

[ModelA29]

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Simple explanation - starter bendix bolt.
JB weld will do nothing but hide the hole.
Leave the hole it's a handy spot to shove a screwdriver to hold the engine while you tighten the crank bolt.

[SNAFU1929]

Good ideas, I will work on that tomorrow.

[Trapdoor2]

Just another opinion: Yes, look for what did it on the inside. It does look like it has been there some time. Whatever did it may be long gone...but better safe than sorry.

I think I would probably just clean it up and install an expanding rubber plug or something like that. It doesn't look like it would cause structural problems. Maybe fix or replace the housing next time the engine is out.

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by ModelA29

Simple explanation - starter bendix bolt.
JB weld will do nothing but hide the hole.
Leave the hole it's a handy spot to shove a screwdriver to hold the engine while you tighten the crank bolt.

First thing I thought of also. Best to pull the starter and fish around.

[J Franklin]

Leave a hole like that and might get mice looking for a home. Maybe buy a cork.

[Fullraceflathead]

I would clean it thoroughly with acetone and JB weld it you can get a small borescope for less than $20 for an iPhone on ebay that will definitely fit inside there!!!

[Will N]

The hole is a perfect place for a crack to begin from. And look what's just above where your hole is- the motor mount. I for one would never feel completely comfortable that the flywheel housing, which bears the weight of the engine, wouldn't let go at some inopportune time it it were my car.

[nkaminar]

Cracks propagate from sharp corners. That is why it is recommended to drill a hole at the end of a crack. Also the reason a glass cutter works.

Might be a good idea to smooth out any sharp corners in the hole before the JB Weld.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Just curious if anyone might have considered the stress risers that punched hole can/will create? The Flywheel Housing is subjected to severe duty from being one of the 4 crossmembers for a somewhat weak Frame. Secondly, consider the fore & aft forces that are generated as the vehicle is being driven. It is no wonder why so many Flywheel Housings are cracked.

[1crosscut]

Round the edges of the hole a bit. Cut a circular or square piece of cotton tee shirt material and saturate it with some RTV sealant and after cleaning the area with solvent apply the patch over the hole. Won't be a structural repair but neither will J.B. Weld. Keep an eye on it and drive it.