Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: bdfinally on January 04, 2009, 07:48:09 AM

Title: welding cast aluminum...possible?
Post by: bdfinally on January 04, 2009, 07:48:09 AM
I have no idea whether this is a stupid question or not. Snapped a stock rearset on my '00 M750 yesteday. Totally stupid move on my part. Have located a replacement, but was wonder if it's even possible to repair the original and if the repair cost would out weight the replacement cost ($50+) Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: welding cast aluminum...possible?
Post by: ducpainter on January 04, 2009, 07:50:25 AM
The engine cases are cast and they get welded frequently so yes, it can be welded...

At $50 for a replacement it's not going to be that much cheaper to have yours welded and you'd still have to finish it and paint.
Title: Re: welding cast aluminum...possible?
Post by: bdfinally on January 04, 2009, 08:02:49 AM
Quote from: ducpainter on January 04, 2009, 07:50:25 AM
The engine cases are cast and they get welded frequently so yes, it can be welded...

At $50 for a replacement it's not going to be that much cheaper to have yours welded and you'd still have to finish it and paint.

Yeah that's kind of what I figured. Throw in the time to find someone to actually do the job and i think at best it's a wash, cost wise. Can't believe I was that stupid.

Thanks DP
Title: Re: welding cast aluminum...possible?
Post by: DarkStaR on January 04, 2009, 08:12:52 AM
Quote from: bdfinally on January 04, 2009, 07:48:09 AM
Totally stupid move on my part.
Quote from: bdfinally on January 04, 2009, 08:02:49 AM
Can't believe I was that stupid.

Well,...what was the "stupid" move?
Title: Re: welding cast aluminum...possible?
Post by: bdfinally on January 04, 2009, 08:25:33 AM
Tried to take both rearsets off on the fly during half time of the playoff yesterday. Just wheeled it out onto the sidewalk and left it on the side stand, rather than put it up on the rearstand. Right side comes off in 5 minutes. Left side is a bit harder, cause I've never taken that one off. Sitting on the sidewalk beside it, looked it over pretty good and thought i had it figure out. Took the shift linkage loose to get to the lower mounting bolts and...well you can see where that ended can't you?  moving 400 lbs off you sitting ain't easy I can tell you.
Title: Re: welding cast aluminum...possible?
Post by: DarkStaR on January 04, 2009, 08:48:18 AM
 [laugh] Thanks!
Title: Re: welding cast aluminum...possible?
Post by: bdfinally on January 04, 2009, 09:25:08 AM
Told ya [laugh]
Title: Re: welding cast aluminum...possible?
Post by: corey on January 05, 2009, 12:05:12 PM
haha woopsie.
i'll be sure to watch out for that one....
Title: Re: welding cast aluminum...possible?
Post by: the_Journeyman on January 05, 2009, 12:14:14 PM
Guilt.  Luckily I caught it as it was just starting to move and didn't kill the rearset...

JM
Title: Re: welding cast aluminum...possible?
Post by: Bill in OKC on January 05, 2009, 03:18:35 PM
Funny how those kinds of lessons you never forget.  I did the same thing in my garage when installing Rizoma rearsets.  I was sitting cross legged by the bike.  The first bolt came out pretty easy, the second bolt felt like it was binding a bit...  then it came out.  I actually consider myself lucky to have been in the perfect position to catch the bike as it came over on top of me.  I was able to prevent any damage to my car that was right behind me, the bike was not injured either and I learned something about Ducatis.  Trying to put a bike with no sidestand on a rearstand is an interesting experience...  the rear stand was close enough to grab while balancing the bike...  why I didn't bother using it first I don't know.

Oh, and I am also looking at trying to weld the cast aluminum fuel pump flange.  As I read about tig welding, I see how much I can't do this myself.
Title: Re: welding cast aluminum...possible?
Post by: bdfinally on January 05, 2009, 03:41:09 PM
I'd been fine if I'd loosened the top bolts first, but I appreciate the war stories regardless...misery does love company. [beer]