Engine crack at bell housing

[weithman5]

Was getting ready to put on clutch and noted this ear was cracked. It came off with gentle tugging. It appeared as though it had been broken before and held in place with liquid weld. I am the original owner but brother in law had it for few years

Also these motor mount plates are they required? They appear integral to the new mounts

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[gert]

Ouch

I would install the motor mounts and let the weight rest on them and check the clearance of the fan to fan shroud , specifically the bottom of the fan blade to bottom of shroud that will tell you if you need them

Fixing the block is not easy cast iron has a tendency to crack when it cools from being heated by a welding operation, you might check around with some local welders and see what they recommend and what you are will to do as it can get involved

Me personally I would continue to run the engine with the broken ear til it’s time for rebuild then deal with it while it’s apart


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[weithman5]

Thanks gert. I just had gotten the engine back from the rebuilder. I sent him pictures to see what he recommends

 

[mriplaybass]

Many years ago, I purchased a 1941 Farmall A tractor. There is no frame on these tractors. The front axle bolts to the front of the engine block, and the rear transaxle bolts to the bell housing via a heavy cast iron driveshaft tube. The front end loader bolts directly to the sides of the bell housing. The tractor was covered in grease when we got it. A few years after getting it, I decided to clean it up before working on the engine. I could not believe what I saw. The cast iron bell housing, which is integral to the engine block, had at some point been cracked all the way around, and repaired with bronze brazing rod! I don't know who did the repair, but here I am 30 years later, and the tractor is still going strong. It can lift over 1,100lbs in the bucket which is bolted directly to the repaired bell housing.

 

[ZEN357]

I would run the engine with the ear like that until you have to replace it.