TIG Welding Cast Iron

[JMcKeone]

Just wondering if its possible/safe to TIG weld Cast Iron. My friend GF was in an accident with their Eagle Talon, we picked up another Talon and are going to swap motors, but when pulling the motor, we noticed that the front motor mount was cracked pretty bad. I have a stick welder, but i really suck at it. If we dont fix the block, he will have to completely rebuild a new block. Hoping to save alot of work. BTW, my Precision TIG 185 is coming this week, thats what I would use.

Thanks,
Jim

[Jerry]

Cast Iron can be tig welded and I do it all the time. First the crack should be ground out and area cleaned with acetone and wire wheeled. Heat area to be welded, a tig weld does not work as well as a stick weld on a cracked area I think the flux helps in covering or protecting the weld area. After each weld peen or tap weld a little to reduce stress.Build up using stringer type welds.

You can buy .060 99 Nyrod tig wire or use stick rod and knock coating off and then sand rod clean of flux.

After welding try to let area cool slowly by covering with old leather gloves or placing part into sand.

Now I'm not sure exactly what you are trying to weld but hope this helps.

[JMcKeone]

Thanks for your help! Part of the engine mount cast on the block cracked, it looks like it will be an easy job, just want sure if TIG would work out, and what filler metal to use. Thanks again.

Jim
(still waiting for the Precision 185, hurry up Lincoln!)

Originally posted by JMcKeone
Thanks for your help! Part of the engine mount cast on the block cracked, it looks like it will be an easy job, just want sure if TIG would work out, and what filler metal to use. Thanks again.

Jim
(still waiting for the Precision 185, hurry up Lincoln!)

I figured there would probably be a wait being as it is a new model. When does Welding Supply hit your credit card? When you oreder or when it ships?

[JMcKeone]

About 3 days after you order from them they bill you....

[Jammer]

Is it the Motor Mount or the Block. If it's the Motor Mount I would just get another Mount, but if it's the Block I would drill a hole at each end of the crack before I welded it to keep it from cracking any more than it is.

[JMcKeone]

Its part of the casting on the block where the motor mount bolts too.

[Jerry]

Good point Jammer on drilling holes and remember its best to grind out as much of crack as you can. With tig it is not as forgiving as with stick. Porosity may be haredr to stop for cast is porous and the stick works better at times. Stress in base metal will be more difficult for tig to withstand then the stick. Cracks sometimes just don't stop with the tig and stick evidently provides better protection, probably the flux slows cooling of weld ( I think )