Crank Case Repair Questions

I purchased this '82 XJ1100 a few weeks ago. I'm in the process of acquiring a title for it. Inspecting everything I've now noticed a repair that had been made to the crank case. It's a putty type of filler. Not hard like JB weld. As if a chunk of the crank case is missing where the stator cover is bolted to it. Here are a couple pictures. It doesn't leak at all as far as I can tell. I'm finding conflicting information online and my back yard mechanic friends say I can leave it as long as it doesn't leak. Obviously getting a new crank case off eBay and replacing is the best option. But is it absolutely necessary at the moment? Your comments and opinions would really help me out. Thanks so much.

 

Sure looks like a repair..might have been a oil leak. If it is not leaking leave it alone. Or chip it out and clean it out ....Jb weld is great stuff secret is to make sure surface is clean and let it set up 24 hours is full cure.

 

Thank you so much jetfixer. That's essentially what I've read, I really needed some confirmation though. I appreciate your help.

 

have you had that cover off yet? there may be air on the other side of that repair so it might never leak

 

I haven't removed the cover. From what I can tell the stator is on the left side of the motor correct? What's under that cover on the right side?

 

I believe I've found out. It looks like its the alternator rotor under that cover.

 

You definitely want to keep that dry. When you take the cover off did chunk of putty stay on? J-B Weld is good stuff I've used it on exhaust manifolds. Replacing the engine case would be a lot of work. You can find a very good aluminum welder that might solve your problem.

 

Along with the stator.
I'd just make a nice looking JB weld replacement for that putty (use oiled cardstock as a form), and paint it so it blends in.
Welding would be preferable, but it'll probably run $60 or more to have the job done.

 

Thank you for your help Steve R. I haven't taken the cover off yet though because I don't have a new gasket. But when I do I'll use jb weld like you suggested.

 

That's great advice K moe. That's exactly what I'll do. Thank you for your help.

 

Mind that you'll need to make the repair a bit thicker than the case. JB weld doesn't do well when it's thin. I'd overlap it on the outside of the case, and blend it so it looks like an intentional bulge.

 

Noted. I think I can make the repair both strong and functional without it being an eyesore.

 

personally i'd go for a epoxy putty that can be pressed in the hole then the cover quickly put on so it fits the repair. then a smear of RTV inside to waterproof it
JB is going to run and sag, and your going to need a few layers to get the thickness you need. vertical repairs with JB are a pain

 

So I almost thought JB steelstik... I've seen some good results in the past with it and it doesn't necessarily sag like traditional gel JB. More of playdoh consistency as you're using it.

 

Matti?

 

yea that's the stuff