Hey guys,

so, I wanted to start to rebuild my TH400, which has been going on for a while, until I checked the case to make sure it was usable and found a crack along the side. Very small. I tried to take a picture but it won't appear. Anyhow, the crack isn't old, as it is totally clean. No ATF had passed by so it must have happend since taking it apart. Water will pass through it, so it is not just a cast error or so. Result: case is dead.

I just dont know how it happend. The case has been sitting on the bellhousing end since taking it apart in the same position. It hasn't fallen over.

Oddly, it seems that the TH400 case seems to be prone to cracking. At least several V8 cast cases have cracks. Not in the same area. So I was wondering: is mine a one off? And why would it happen with no load inside and totally clean?

 

Small cracks are safe to weld.

 

It's about 11 cm long... I don't think it will stop going by the length.

 

Well, it depends where it is and what's inside of casing. If it is just the wall I'd still say it can be welded. Maybe not a DIY job, better see a specialist.
As for reasons, dunno. Here in Louisiana we have plenty of voodoo witches, evil eye, you know. Some of them may be migrated to Germany after Merkel invited more folks to Germany.

 

I've already found some cheapish transmissions I can take apart. Welding would be possible, but I am worried about it carrying on. I would assume it is a stress crack, due to the position and way it is cracking...

 

If you can find a new case, I'd definitely go with that. Who knows why it has cracked, temperature changes and age? Possibly an inclusion in the casing that was a stress raiser?

 

I know it was not cracked before. It is a clean and fresh crack. So it may have been the winter causing it.

Just wanted to highlight that a transmission fluid leak MAY well be a cracked case... Not always just a leak in a gasket

 

Too bad you are in Europe! I have a NEW-IN-BOX (crate) THM400 (3L80) for the 5.3 liter V12.(EBC3654N)
The dealer I worked at was going to throw it in the trash but the parts manager asked me if I wanted it.

Still in the wood crate with the steel bands. I've had it several decades and still can't find a use for it??

Shipping would be cost prohibitive.

bob

 

That would be awesome, but as you said, shipping would be the reason it wouldn't make sense. I can get a case for like €300.

 

Maybe try looking for a air freight forwarder/consolidator? If Daim can do the customs paperwork on his side ( usually easy to do) the cost can be surprisingly cheap. I brought a Rover V8 engine from England to Canada and it cost a lot less than I expected.

 

If a large truck shows up I can load the crate onto it.




bob

 

Great tractor Bob! And again Tha KS for the offer, though I can't get shipping to be in a usable area. So I'll have to unfortunately pass on your transmission...

 

yes, they are... You have a few options. I would drill it out and alumafix it. If it's an 11MM crack drill it out to 13mm, clean and weld it up with alumafix or some other low temp aluminum braze. If the crack spreads during the drill or welding process then you need a new case. If its take the weld and no cracking re-appears metal finish the repair and carry on.

 

It's about 10 cm (4"l long)...

 

Now what I think of mine ... I believe I tossed it away after installing the manual. It was taking up space and no-one wanted it.

 

still fixable... you will have to drill a 5/16 hole at each end of the crack. Then grind a slot where the crack is and fill with weld. Might work...might not. Good luck.

 

Not worth trying. And later on I have it welded, the welder bodges it and I assemble and the tranny leaks... Waste of time and money... Cast pieces shouldn't be welded anyway...

 

you can keep this b's to yourself!!!!

 

I think ISO is on it. One of the beauties of alloy parts is that they can be welded.

Drill the holes, grind the groove. And TIG!!

Cast iron can be welded, but not as simple and not always successful.

Check the beautiful seams in after market alloy radiators.

But, if a good case is available at a reasonable price, that is the way.

The welder wants $'s as well....

My son welded up a busted case in a little B&S one lung engine. Thrown con rod.
powered ride on mower. Mow deck bit the dust. Steel eaten by rust. Nw a little tractor…

Carl

 

Sure, you can weld it, but cleaning the INSIDE of the case up would be a chore for anyone...

New case is already ordered...