Welding Frame cracks YZ80S

[yzhilly]

Just wondering what's the best way to weld up some frame cracks in a YZ80S Frame . It's got a crack in the Gusset behind the steering head ,where the CDI mounts . It's not displaced and crack stays in the gusset it doesnt goe all the way to the frame tube . I was just goin to bronze it up but thought i would check first . .

[caps 999]

what years the s i think ive got a spare frame for one the prefix on my frame is 43x

[yzhilly]

It's a 1LR thanks Caps and i have a spare frame also . I have to pull my finger out and finish this bike for my daughter after the prick stole my CR80.

[caps 999]

in that case oxy and bronze had to do my 250j frame in the same spot

[Lozza]

Manganese bronze, degrease first, tin well before laying down a bead.You could also put flood lights on before and after cover with a fire blanket.In order for it cool down slowly.

[Doc]

  bloody hell..I always just used the stick welder ..it's a little bit of an ugly stick welder when I operate it but it's never failed. Only issues I've ever had welding older frames and pipes (oxy for these) is when I try to repair something someone has brazed that obviously needed penetration and real fusing together.. I can feels frowns, looks of disbelief and sheer horror already but eh..works for me and yup I agree, the fire blanket or extinguisher is a must  

[yzhilly]

Doc if it was one of my bikes i would have welded it with the stick but this is for my little girl ,So i better make it nice and neat.

[GMC]

Can you put up a picture of the gusset & crack.
I hate bronze as it's a bugger to get rid of to weld properly but it does have it's benefits.
If you have a plate with a crack in it then laying bronze over the top won't give any strength and it will crack again. Bronze works best if the plates overlap each other or the joint can gain strength from different directions, eg tube to tube to form a "tee" joint.

First choice, TIG
2nd, Mig, if you can set up for thin material.
3rd, oxy fusion welding
4th, arc, again only if you can handle it with thin material.

[Lozza]

Oh almost forgot drill a hole at the end of the crack.

[firko]

Lozza beat me to it Hilly. Definitely drill a hole at the end of the crack. If you know somebody with a T.I.G. welder that'd be the neatest and strongest but if that's out of the equation and if you have confidence in your oxy welding ability, a good fusion or brazing job will do fine. Remember though that this is your kids bike we are dealing with so don't sacrifice quality welding for your own ability when your daughters safety is at stake.

[Hoony]

Hilly, Clarkie has a Mig and is good at welding frames. he lives in lilydale but i can ask him if you like.

let me know. earliest would be on weekend.

[yzhilly]

Well the urgency has gone now that i have my CR back i will rebuild it first and will get the frame  tig welded thanks for the tips.
Hilly.