Frame Rust/Split. Weld or Replace?

Finished stripping the frame down today, found a hole and a split in the left lower frame rail. I took a hammer and punch and beat around the rest of the lower tubes and didn't find anything else. Should I scrap it and get another frame or weld and go?

Hole:



Split:

 

If that was my frame I'd cut out the cancer and grind it, then weld it. If those two are the only two spots and they seam rather small and not in a critical place.

 

I would try to weld it up before scrapping it. the split was caused by water getting in the frame and freezing. you should be able to hammer it down and weld it up.

FU

 

Ah the split theory makes sense, bike sat last five years. Covered but outside in MI and not moved. Will grind her down a bit and see but the punch and hammer failed to find anything else so I don't think I need to section anything.

 

+1. No need to scrap the frame.

Gary H.

 

no need to cut out the cancer. when you hit it with the welder, you will find out how thin the area really is. alos I would figure out a way to treat the insides of the frame tubes with "rust mort" or something similar...

http://www.tcpglobal.com/SEM69501.html#.VQSXH6N0zb0

I would also consider drilling a drain hole in each side at the lowest point so future water accumulation can drain out. or just keep it in the garage and never ride in the rain. not sure why Yamaha didn't do this to begin with.

FU

 

I've dremel-ed and welded those shut on some bikes as long as its not at a stress point

 

Welding on a rusty frame will let him see how bad the rust is; it will also contaminate the weld.

Cut that rust out, cut a patch if needed, and weld it up properly.

 

Yup

 

Thanks all. My welding skills stop at bolt extraction and farm fixes. Luckily I have a buddy that welds for a living, will let him take a stab at it.

 

What model bike do you have?

I have a spare frame for a 82' xj650 w/ clean title.

It may have some bends you want too. Send me a PM if you're interested.

 

82 650. If you were local I would consider it. I'll PM ya on other stuff.

 

Just to clarify, the majority of the frame strength is in the "spine" up top? I'm no expert on frame design/engineering but if the cradle was stressed or extremely important I would be a little more concerned about the damage.

 

I had the same split in the same spot on my XJ750 (stored outside for an extended time by POs; it's always their fault!). I hammered it down, tested the metal around it with a 4" grinder, and MIG welded it back together. Primed and painted and you can't even see the spot.

 

Those are minor repairs for a experienced welder. Your welder bud will know what to do and should make quick work of the necessary repairs. You can watch, help and learn.

Gary H.

 

The cradle provides a great deal of the frame's stiffness. A fully cracked frame cradle makes the bike feel very bendy in the middle (because it is in fact bending).

 

Agreed. Basic frame design is engineered specifically to provide structural integrity for the bike i.e. bends, angles, pipe dims and lengths and how they weld together. ANY weak points will jeapordize the frame's structure. Each piece is major to the whole.

Gary H.

 

Cool thx. Will get it over to him when I get back in town and see what he finds.

 

2 days and a six pack, looks much better.

 

better than two six packs and one day would have !

 

I know this is an old thread but I was looking for something and stumbled across it. I am a welder and more than a little familiar with NDT, and any time you do a weld there is what they refer to as a 'Heat Affected Zone' that is right where you created the weld. This HAZ can significantly alter the mechanical and corrosion properties of the existing metal, making the area around where you had the corrosion less sound, even though you will not be able to see it. The repair looks good, but at the very least I would keep a *real close* eye on the repair.

 

As you stated a HAZ is created whenever welding is applied and also why welders know removing enough metal to eliminate the possibility of future damage, cleaning the metal and using proper welding techniques (amount of heat) is important. Imo those welds are fine.

Gary H.

 

I'm not too concerned either. I know the guy well and I doubt he'd do anything that would be risky, especially when he knows I'll be hurtling down the road at 70 MPH some day on the thing. He did mention cleaning the areas up prior to welding hence the significant paint removal in both areas. Won't hurt to keep an eye on it anyway.

 

If he felt it was going to be a future problem he would have cut it out and sleeved a new piece. Spot welded the sleeves and gap welded the seams. Keep a eye on it tho.

Gary H.