101 Scout... going to take a while

[pisten-bully]

I shipped the cases to Latvia with no guarantee he would be able to save them, he needed to see them first. I was happy to learn that he would give it a go, and he has kept me in the loop quite well with lots of pictures along the way. His first step is to put the case into a kiln at about 660 degrees F to drive the oil out of the pores, then he hydro blasts them clean and repeats the process again.

After cleaning he uses machine tooling to rout out the spider web of cracks and broken areas:





Then back into the kiln at 660 to preheat for welding:



During the welding he stops and re-heats the casting so it doesn't cool off too much, then continues welding:

[pisten-bully]

Thanks Eric, as mentioned I sent my cases off to Juris Ramba in Lativa, Juris is an AMCA member and quite involved with old bikes. Latvia is an interesting country, not far from Poland, Germany, Sweden, and more (of course). Much like the rest of Europe Latvia has seen many changes in rule over the centuries and they fell into the Soviet Union for a time, but now they're independent again. During the Soviet time there were shortages of many things, machine tooling being one such thing, so the population, and people like Juris had to develop their own methods using a mixture of old technology and creative solutions to repair and keep things going.... I think this is a big reason Juris has the ability to repair things like 1930 engine cases. Anyway, here's a couple of pictures of some of the motorcycles Juris has restored, he had a show two weeks ago:





Enough history, but I'll leave it at I am happy I found him and I'm optimistic he has saved the case, now onto his process!

[exeric]

I'm glad you found someone with the skill to save your cases. There is so much intrinsic, and historic value in genuine parts, so I think it's always worth the extra effort and expense to save them. Thanks for the update, Harry and look forward to the pictures.

[pisten-bully]

Eric, I looked and didn’t find another RH crankcase that didn’t need repair, but I did find two complete engines with transmissions ready to go....they were both for sale north of $10k. What I really wanted was to save that case, so I found a fellow in Latvia, Juris Ramba (AMCA member) who has a very detailed process of saving old castings like this....so off to Latvia my cases went!

I’ve actually got some good pictures of his process and his progress on my cases, so I’ll post a couple of them tomorrow. Juris has restored several of his own bikes and he has a machining business, so working on my cases happens when he has the time. But I’m very happy with what I’ve seen so far!

Meanwhile....my Chief is my main entertainment!

[exeric]

Anything new with your 101, Harry?

[PaulCDF]

Plan B:

May be to find someone capable of custom casting & machining service using old right hand case as a pattern.

But; I am hoping you find a replacement.

[Mick christie]

Sent u a pm harry

[pisten-bully]

The 37 c.i. 101 Scout was exported more than sold here, so I’ve been wondering about sources in Australia and New Zealand. I forgot about Parker, good idea Paul. Mick, I haven’t belonged to Facebook for a few years, do you know how to otherwise contact Darryl White?

[Mick christie]

If your on Facebook look up darryl white in Queensland Australia. He should have what u need and ships international as well

[PaulCDF]

Parkers Indian Australia???
The exchange rate is good.

[pisten-bully]

Well...I'm on the hunt for another RH case! The attempt to repair was a failure, pre-heat and Tig simply caused more cracks... as predicted by others who have tried. It's difficult to tell a guy who's worked with aluminum for 30 years how to do his job, and I don't know if there's anything different he could have done, but there's not much I can do now:





I'm a little bummed out but figure it's part of the process, but I hate to see old parts not usable anymore!

So far I've checked a few possible sources, and Dana fed me a link to a full engine for sale (the seller changed his mind...) but so far the easy sources have nuthin'

[cHarley32]

It would be interesting how the Welder proceeds with the repair. If he does not hold process close. It would be great to see pics as it progresses. Have repaired motor mounts and tranny ears in the past. Curious how he minimizes distortions and such.

[tfburke3]

I dont know if your pinion bore andshaft dia. are same as 48 chief and up with the snap ring but if it is I think I would machine out the cracked bottom of the bore before welding.You will have less welding and the welder wont have bottom corners to hog out and weld,and less machine work.
Hope it works for you
Tom

[pisten-bully]

I think the line bore could be solved with boring the race fully and modify with a thrust washer and snap ring like later chiefs.
Lots of challenging welding before the machine work even begins.

I’m trying to remain optimistic, at least it would be difficult to find a welder with as much aluminum welding experience as this guy...so there’s that!

Thanks for the input, and Dana...good call to inspect the drive side of the case too.

[tfburke3]

I think the line bore could be solved with boring the race fully and modify with a thrust washer and snap ring like later chiefs.
Lots of challenging welding before the machine work even begins.
Tom