Broken mount Frame

[fuji]

While doing some work on the cooling system I noticed a crack in one of the mounts ....  If you guys could look at the pictures I have 3 big questions

1.) what is the severity of this crack
  A.) stop riding the bike immediately its dangerous
  B.) get it repaired when you can
  C.) don't worry about it that is what the other mounts are for.

2.) can this be repaired by a welder?  ( I know nothing about welding)

3.) If it can be welded do you think a welder can repair it without damaging surrounding components or does the bike need to be disassembled for the weld. (again I know nothing about welding except that there is heat involved)

[2fs2ns]

Not exactly sure on severity, but my guess is that it can be welded easily by a good welder.  None of that should be cast, just plain old steel.  But I'm also a newbie around these parts...

[Andrew at Classic]

I'm not sure where you're at, but if you can get the bike to me in Lewisville, we can mig weld that for you. A couple of dollars for  a Doberman rescue group and we'll be even.

[Charles S Otwell]

Welding it is not a problem just be sure whoever welds it removes the part grinds off the old weld and doesn't just weld thru the middle of the break. Metal fatigue usually causes welds to break especially when they have been ground down as thin as that one. To repair it correctly I would remove the bolt and the mounting brkt sand the frame removing the old weld, check for cracks in the frame . If there aren't any cracks prime and paint. Grind the old weld off the brkt clean,prime and paint the brkt. Bolt the brkt back to the engine and line it up with frame.  grind just enough of the new paint to get a clean weld then weld in place. Do not make long welds on the frame, short 1/4 to 1/2" welds, letting cool a little between welds. Anything less than this is just patching!!  IMNSHO.

[fuji]

Wow great advice guys.  I am in Michigan so unfortunately I could not get the bike out there for those of you that could help.  I know a friend with a bump shop and I'll see if he can get it welded.  There are also a lot of skilled trades in Michigan currently without jobs because of all the darn layoffs.

Bless you for having a dobermen rescue.

[fuji]

I talked to the guys at the honda shop and they said when they do weld repair under waranty on goldwings they take all the electricals of the bike because the current from the welder can run through the frame and destroy electrical components.

Does anyone have experience welding bike frames and can offer an more insight to prep for a this weld?  Or maybe debunk the advise from the honda shop?  I suppose it is also wise to remove the fuel tank carbs and fuel lines?

[Charles S Otwell]

As with any welding, the ground should be placed as close to the area welded as possible. If you were to place the ground on the back of the bike and weld on the front of the frame then the current would have to make it's way to the ground, and this might possibly effect an electrical component . while your sanding your frame sand a spot where your ground will go, again as close to the weld as possible. The dealer is probably talking  about creating a magnetic field next to a sensitive electronic part . I have welded on many motorcycles and several Magna's with no adverse effects. I see no reason for you not to weld the brkt back on your bike. As far as the gas tank that depends on whether or not you have any gas leaks and what your welder is comfortable working with. I have welded on gas tanks ,some welders won't weld in the same room with one  so that would be the welders call. Know and trust your welder. Hope this helps.

[Len Averyt]

Looking at the top picture you can see that there was about to be a break farther up from where it broke.

Check your other mounts! if they are ok then I would make sure that the broke mount can be adjusted tight against the frame and that the hole still lines up with the case. if not then it will be in stress again.

If you can find some one who can TIG (Tungsten In Gas) thats what I recommend. It allows lower electrical current and it also allows the weld to be fused better, thus deeper than. MIG which tends to be on the surface.

Whether mig or tig it will definatly need to be cleaned, paint and rust around the welding area must be removed to prevent contamination.

Grounding must be as close to the weld area as possible to prevent EMF and weld fields from damaging electronics

[fuji]

It helps a lot!  Thanks, I am trying to learn as much as I can about bikes this riding season.  I bought the Magna so I could learn a few things about keeping a bike on the road without having to deal with specialized tools, integrated parts, and computers you find on bikes these days.  Plus I've always wanted one. woot!

I've grown up around motorcycles so I know a bit about them in general, but sharing your experience really helps me.

[fuji]

Thanks for all the tips guys I am finding a few welders in the area that feel they can do the job.  

I am starting to get curious about how it could have happend.  Can you guys offer some theories?  Is there anything I should check on the bike?  Maybe the previous owner did wheelies, is it just a manufacturing flaw (on a honda?)  Has this happened to anyone else?