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Can vw cast intakes be welded ?

Posted: 17 Sep 2008, 12:27
by caveman
I want to build up some weld so i can match the intake of a 1.6 na to a 1.9 na head. there isn't a lot missing so it would nice to be able to match the whole circumfrence of the d shape to the manifold. Someone told me they can't weld onto cast aluminum. Or is the only solution to have it TIG'd

Welding cast

Posted: 17 Sep 2008, 20:18
by markscoot
Almost anything metal can be welded mate. People weld cast all the time even high content magnesium gearbox casings can be done.
Ive even seen Holley carbs sliced in two,offset, then welded back together in a pro modified class drag racer by Dave Mingay.
Look for a specialist in the local adds.

Welding cast #2

Posted: 17 Sep 2008, 20:21
by markscoot
Ive just remembered doing my reverse coolant manifold myself which is in fact cast ally. :) Cheers.

3

Posted: 17 Sep 2008, 20:23
by markscoot
Sorry , that was tig welding by the way.

Posted: 17 Sep 2008, 22:51
by Plasticman
Gas weld it easy enough
Mike

Posted: 18 Sep 2008, 09:34
by joshb
I mig welded a cast manifold using ally wire and argon gas, there is a bit of a technique to it as ally heats differently mine was fine, i used it on my supercharged triumph spitfire, mig isnt neat like tig though there are web site about how to best do it, google it maybe...

Posted: 18 Sep 2008, 11:56
by skell
caveman
have a look at this thread if you haven't already
https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... light=weld

Posted: 18 Sep 2008, 12:09
by HarryMann
[img:800:600]https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/images/JX_In ... AAZ_01.jpg[/img]

Using plastic metal, still OK after 2 years...

From here... https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Al ... gine_1.9TD

Posted: 18 Sep 2008, 14:08
by caveman
Oay thanks to all. I tried to weld it with the torch and some aluminum rod, but i don't think the flux was right because the metal didn't stick at all. I know it would have worked better if i could have heated it first but i don't think my girlfriend would appreciate sticing engine parts in the oven. I will bring it to be tig'd . Nice job with the JB weld . And not that i don't trust JB weld- i did an emergency AAZ crank pulley repair once that held up for 1 year, but i'd rather have the peice of mind that metal on metal will do.

Posted: 18 Sep 2008, 17:03
by caveman
Just got back from the welder. He had his doubts but i cheered him on [he usually only does stainless steel]. It's a bit ugly, but after i grind it for fit i will cover it all up with epoxy -or JB Weld !

Posted: 18 Sep 2008, 17:13
by HarryMann
Just make sure that gasket seals, never mind the quality, feel de vidth :)

Don't grind ally, it needs fly-cutting ideally...

Posted: 18 Sep 2008, 18:51
by caveman
HarryMann wrote:Just make sure that gasket seals, never mind the quality, feel de vidth :)

Don't grind ally, it needs fly-cutting ideally...

I will send it off to the engine machine shop, they will plane it.

Posted: 23 Sep 2008, 10:08
by paddyponchero
HarryMann wrote:[img:800:600]https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/images/JX_In ... AAZ_01.jpg[/img]

Using plastic metal, still OK after 2 years...

From here... https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Al ... gine_1.9TD

Super! I LOVE it!