Ironhead Cracked motor mount

[jsandidge]

Originally Posted by ferretface

I can't even see my rear mount, there is so much stuff covering it. Is that pic from underneath???

I found this crack by accident. I pulled my starter to re-build the solenoid. The picture is of the top of the motor back at the down-tubes of the frame in front of the oil tank.

In the video linked here at about 49:00 there is a great view and explanation of where they crack and how to prevent it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wX-S1WGTHI&t=2332s

[ryder rick]

Originally Posted by jsandidge

I do plan on fixing it correctly, but I don't want to be splitting cases right now. I will go through the whole motor at some point, so it will get a new mount then.

You don't have to split the cases to change the mount, just pull the three studs.

[jsandidge]

Originally Posted by ryder rick

You don't have to split the cases to change the mount, just pull the three studs.

That's good news. I had heard it was necessary.

[jsandidge]

I'm confused now. I just watched another Tatro video showing the mount sliding over the 3 studs during re-assembly of a 77 ironhead. Are you saying I can replace the mount with the motor in the frame by removing the 3 studs?

[jsandidge]

Ok, I got some expert advice. It looks like the motor does need to come out, but the cases don't need to be split. I will do that later this winter. I will put on the angle iron piece this weekend though and see if I can get in a couple of rides first.

[IronMick]

Regardless of the knowledge of the others who have responded here, I am not convinced about the use of a piece of Iron to hold the aluminum parts together. The iron [or steel] is way stronger that the aluminum. Any stress and the aluminum will break.

Perhaps I am wrong and someone can convince me.

[Iron Mike]

That crack didnt happen yesterday. Fix it or fly it. A few more rides wont change a thing. Your wasting time figuring out band aids.

[IronMick]

Originally Posted by Iron Mike

That crack didnt happen yesterday. Fix it or fly it. A few more rides wont change a thing. Your wasting time figuring out band aids.

+1

IronHeads with cracked rear engine mounts have been tearing up highways for decades. Nothing bad will happen. Fix it when you already have it apart for some other reason.

[jsandidge]

You know, you guys make a good point about leaving it alone for now. At least I know what I need to do when it comes time. I will be pulling the motor later on anyway.

[rejeanprimeau]

Look more like a casting flaw than a crack, use ATF mix with diesel, paint the (crack) clean the area and shoot Soft & Dry anti prespirant and if it's crack it will show.