Any quick fixes for broken ironhead inner primary?

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justin caise
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Any quick fixes for broken ironhead inner primary?

Post by justin caise »

I screwed up today by cranking down on one of the clutch cover screws too much on a 72(?) Sportster and split the aluminum primary (integral to the engine). Just a hairline, visible from the outside, right at the boss where the top screw goes in. I think this happened because there was left over dried gasket goop in the hole - which I've now learned to clean out before closing things up- and because I was rushing.

Can I fix this with, like, with toothpaste, or hairspray, or apple cider vinegar or something?

(Feeling like Gilligan.)
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Re: Any quick fixes for broken ironhead inner primary?

Post by gww25 »

Did you hear a loud 'poping' sound when you tweaked down on the fastener? If not then you most likely just opened up a crack that was already there and the 'goop' was probably some other person 'fix'. If the crack is on the 'weak' side of the boss then just seal it with J-B weld as it probably won't propagate any further.
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justin caise
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SELF INTRODUCTION: Seemingly still just a wannabe, as I've not actually built a chopper yet. But I know what I'm doing. I'm startin slow, studying, tooling up, and thinking about it properly - someone here once said "The important thing about finishing your first build is to not let your ambitions exceed your abilities." I'm holdin my ambitions just a little ahead of my abilites so's I can stay motivated. Gary said the balance of time and money is key - So, I'm working that, too. Just reallly grateful to find that this incredible resource is still alive and accessible.
I'm hoping to actually connect with and make some friends here this time.
I'm in So NH repairing and riding the low buck jap junk for now... practicing, discovering my fav riding style, learning CAD, machining, designing and building tools. Lonely. I've got friends and family, and riding buds but no close chopper freaks to hold a torch. Aaaaand, I've said too much again....
Location: So New Hampshire, USA

Re: Any quick fixes for broken ironhead inner primary?

Post by justin caise »

Thank you Gary.
Actually I heard two popping sounds. the first was the splitting aluminum, then my palm hitting my forehead.
Your car should be old style
Your clothes rather new
Your chopper - a tasteful mix of the two.
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Re: Any quick fixes for broken ironhead inner primary?

Post by hansgoudzwaard »

XL forum deals with this. Some good advice online.
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Re: Any quick fixes for broken ironhead inner primary?

Post by railroad bob »

My dad showed me how to use JB Weld for aluminum on a transmission case for a Yamaha, years ago.
Not sure how difference there is in internal pressures, but this one held fine for thousand of miles.
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hansgoudzwaard
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Posts: 804
Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2011 10:43 pm
SELF INTRODUCTION: I was on the last board as bonustoolkit. I have changed that to my given name.
I started a project build there " File and Fit." I paln to continue that when I go back home in Dec. 2011. I first joined the board when Gary W had it in the year 2005. That was the time I really gained an interest in building chops. I have a long way to go, compared to some here.

Re: Any quick fixes for broken ironhead inner primary?

Post by hansgoudzwaard »

An interesting link.

www.ironheadcycle.com/

If you look under "tech Info" he has some useful tools.
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