A customer wanted us to look at an oil leak whilst fitting a spaghetti exhaust - this is what we found. Which became - when the mastic, paint and loose weld was removed. I find it hard to believe someone would do this and sell it on - A warning to us all!! After a few hours cleaning back the poor weld we ended up with a big hole - no surprise the thing leaked oil. After the repair it ended up looking like this - Now we just have to rebuild the bike and start on the original task list - One engine saved for the sake of a few hours labour.
Judging by the damage to the case and underside of the swing arm a chain failed. Then a repair attempt in the frame. A further clue was the new chain and sprocket set and a strange handmade thick gasket for the alternator cover. I struggle to believe someone would do this and palm it off as quickly as possible on to a Ducati novice who would not know the signs to look for.
nice repair. cast alloy isnt the easiest to weld so you have my respect for what looks like a good quality job. have a thanks from me !
The owner was but is a little happier now Aye - thanks for your help last night to remove the engine and clean it ready for this morning - another late finish!! The welding was done by the same chap who does our exhausts - very skilled. Cast alloy is way beyond my skill at the moment. Never mind cast alloy still built up as an engine - heat management during the repair is quite important. Dressing down and final finish I will take the glory for
Nice one. Good to know that the spare pair of cases I kept with almost the same damage could be reclaimed if it came to it. Just out of interest, how much would you want to charge to reclaim a broken crank case if it was off the bike and already stripped?
No more than £100 including return post to a UK address. A bit vague as each repair is different and depends on cleaning time etc. Couldn't agree more but there are some out there with already damaged cases and if the chain goes inboard the area of the gear selector and bearing seal is still not protected even with a case saver. We would be more than happy to consider repairing any cases - some would be a straight 'no thanks' but we will always try our best.
Yeah all 3 of my Dukes have one of Steve Baileys crankcase savers fitted, I remember going to look at a 748 many years ago and agreed to meet the owner at some services he rolls up stops and there is oil dripping from the front sprocket area I say you've got a bit of a leak there he replies have I (as if he didn't know) needless to say I didn't buy it , allways worth taking the sprocket cover off before your part with cash !!!
