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ScottE
Dodge Dakota
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12/28/2002
11:42:38
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 Subject: ARRRRGH!!!
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HO cams and intake installed on my 4.7 - not too bad a pain. Runs great, too. I was really impressed with the difference, until my cab filled with smoke! Seems that I cracked my right side valve cover somehow (don't have a clue how, I didn't force anything!), resulting in an oil spigot (obviously good pressure in there!). The crack is about 1.5" long, on the outer vertical face of the cover, halfway up between the flange and top radius. Question: Does anyone know of anything that can be used to patch this? Given the density of the alloy, it seems that any welding repair attempt would just burn a hole in it. JB Weld, perhaps? Or am I looking at replacement? DC wants $120 for a new one, gotta wait 4 days for delivery. Makes me wanna cry - the truck only has 1800 miles on her.
BTW, Mobil 1 will flame when dumped on a hot exhaust manifold - no damage incurred, only a few flickers, but I did dance about a bit!
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Lab Rat
GenIII
12/28/2002
14:37:17
| RE: ARRRRGH!!!
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1) I'd pull it back off to make sure you didn't leave something in there to cause the crack.
2) While it's off check the flange and o-ring groove for damage.
3) Welding is an option but you're dealing with cast mag-better know a hot snot welder.
4) Better than JB weld is a similar product called Devcon. With either don't forget to clean it very, very good.
LR
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ScottE
Dodge Dakota
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12/28/2002
15:32:42
| RE: ARRRRGH!!!
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Thanx for the input. I pulled that cover off first thing - the truck runs great, no noises, and I count my tools before I close an engine (anal, yes), but I was a bit concerned! Is the Devcon an epoxy, and is it formulated to stick to magnesium? I've had good luck with JB Weld, but never on magnesium.
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cripplechris
Dodge Dakota
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12/28/2002
17:40:27
| RE: ARRRRGH!!!
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If you find you cannot repair it,I can get you an original replacement,brand new for $95.I got the connect for your project. You shop around and I bet I can beat anyone on any Mopar part.Mopar Performance included.
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Lab Rat
GenIII
12/28/2002
19:02:05
| RE: ARRRRGH!!!
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Scott,
Yes, Devcon is also a two-part epoxy, but what I'd condider the industrial equivalent to JB plus you have the choice of filler mtrl. (steel, alum, etc...). It does work on mag, we've used it to build up/machine mounting brackets, prototypes for fitment, etc... Grainger's has it for $35. If money's an object, go with JB.
LR
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Jim
Dodge Dakota
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12/29/2002
01:14:38
|  WHOOA!
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Hey Scott,
I can appreciate you tryin to save a buck, I often cut corners to save one when I can but look at the posibilities of what could happen to you, It might work fine, if it does then great, now if it does not and the mild expansion and contraction of the metal in the valve cover from heat and cooling of your engine running and sitting, add the oil trying to penetrate when its hot and this peice of JBWELD or DEVCON comes loose and finds its way under a vavle and now we are talking a little more than a vavle cover not to mention being stuck where ever it may happen,,,,I hope you either get it welded or replaced and not chance the head damage, I wish you the best either way!
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Lab Rat
GenIII
12/29/2002
14:40:57
| RE: ARRRRGH!!!
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That's why you use products like that on the outside...
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ScottE
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/29/2002
17:01:28
| RE: ARRRRGH!!!
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Thanx for all the assists! I was primarily intending to use the epoxy fix until I could find a wreck and get a cover from there - I found the Devcon, and it seems to work well - I was very meticulous in the prep for it, that cover was surgically clean! And as luck would have it, I did find a wrecked 02 Dak w/ a 4.7, got a like new cover for 50 bucks! Should be on and back to normal by tomorrow noon. Jim, you raised a very good point - my other concern was warranty issues, the patch would be very hard to hide, and might prompt questions I don't want to answer at the dealer. Thanks again to all for the help, and cripplechris, I will be in touch - I'm nowhere near through with this truck yet!
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Demon Dakota
DakotaEnthusiast
12/30/2002
11:41:45
| RE: ARRRRGH!!!
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I don't think you can weld magnesium (even if you could, why would you?). Ever hear of a Class Delta fire? Well I 've seen them, and it's some nasty sh!t. Magnesium can not be put out once it's ignited. You just have to throw it over the side (Deep 6) or bury it.
K&N Drop in AF
True Dual exhaust and removed third cat
HO Cams & HO Intake
Modified TB
Autolite 3923 Plugs
TPS @ .76 VDC
IAT Adjuster Mod
14.52@94.2 MPH at Silver Dollar Raceway
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Lab Rat
GenIII
12/30/2002
16:44:25
| RE: ARRRRGH!!!
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Message:
Demon, it can be done, but about the only places that do it are related to aviation. We had to have part of a vibration test stand repaired years ago and they were able to TIG it,
And yes, the fire is not something you want to deal with-mag burns at about 5400 DEG F. Rule #1: never, never, ever put water on a mag fire. The fire is hot enough to free the oxygen molecules and cause one nasty explosion.
LR
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