small slice in front exchanger, any ideas on how to fix?

[Indy]

I guess I had a pull out, havent checked the track yet. But I have a slice about one inch long with the hole being only about a quarter of an inch. I think I can fix this w/o removing track. Not sure how.

I am thinking about etching the exchanger around the cut, and using some kind of repair patch. But dont know of the products available to do this. I am sure I've seen the patch material @ the Novi snow shows, but can't remember the name.

Please advise.

 

[DaJudge]

You can use J B Weld to make the repair but it is mandatory that you make sure it is very clean. If you know someone who can weld aluminum, it can also be welded. Either one will work if done properly.

 

[Indy]

You can use J B Weld to make the repair but it is mandatory that you make sure it is very clean. If you know someone who can weld aluminum, it can also be welded. Either one will work if done properly.

I thought I would use some wire wheel cleaner (acid) to clean and etch. JB weld scares me a little, it would be very hard to get off if it doesnt work.

 

[GUKROKIT]

You might try a product called "alumiweld or alumiloy"if welding isn't an option.It's an aluminum rod that you can use to weld with a propane torch.I've used it on a few aluminum items with good results.

 

[Indy]

You might try a product called "alumiweld or alumiloy"if welding isn't an option.It's an aluminum rod that you can use to weld with a propane torch.I've used it on a few aluminum items with good results.

Thanks, this might work. They have it @ Harbour Freight, I'll give it a try.


any other ideas or input from anyone else?

 

[LazyBastard]

Don't be messing around with this component. You *definitely* don't want to have it fail when you're a hundred miles out.

Weld it.

 

[totallyamaha]

the only sure way to fix it is to weld it even if it means pulling the track and welding it

 

[yamahamaniac]

I agree, weld the sucker.

 

[Indy]

Results:

I did have a tear out, repaired. Glad I checked, because I removed 17 that were close. Yes I need a new track. While I was inspecting the heat exchanger, I also noticed it was crushed or pushed in quite a bit. I will probably replace in the fall.

I cleaned it with a abrasive wheel and acid. The area was too large for a weld by me, so I JB welded the entire area. Refilled and bled out the air. No leaks while running in my garage.

Since then we just had a bunch of rain and the snow is mostly gone. There may be more this season, but probably not enough to ride on. Wil see.

LB and the rest who said to weld it, I agree. But I plan on going through the skid and updating it with the air wave and a new track W/O studs this fall. I am not riding up north on trails, just busting corn stalks around home this season. So the JB Weld fix is good enough for now.

Thanks for your input. so how does the heat exchanger come out? Does the motor need pulled?

 

[LazyBastard]

I don't *think* that the engine needs to come out... but it is, apparently, quite a nasty job. I haven't done it, and I doubt I ever will. The way the winters are becoming, I may just take the motor and make something more useful out of the thing.

 

[sobfrogg]

I have done it. Weld it while it is in the sled that is.
Remove the track and drive axle.

CLEAN
CLEAN
CLEAN
CLEAN

Then clean it some more.

Wire wheel and acid. MAke sure it is VERY VERY VERY dry

Weld it.

I repaired my fromt heat exchanger in my SRX rode it for 6000 miles. Not a drop drip of anything. A tig would be prefered but I did mine with a mig. I am no welder at all. Having the right tools makes this repair possible