camshaft end cap cracked

[califkid_66]

there seems to be a crack it doesn’t go right through did not seem to leak
leave as is and see what happens or get tig welded

[BDA]

I don't know how stressed that part of the casting is but I'd be tempted to have it welded up.

[califkid_66]

that’s what i thought
thanks

[jbcollier]

Are you sure it's a crack?  Looks more like a casting mark.  Welding will distort the housing such that it "may" require machining true again. 

[califkid_66]

im not sure anymore i did think it was casting at first nice straight line but at the other end look like it was hit with a grinder i did try to look from inside couldn’t see any cracks i will check again tomorrow

[SwiftDB4]

I agree with JB. Looks like a casting mark. I wouldn't weld it due to heat distortion.

[BDA]

I’m coming around to JB’s and Swift’s opinion. It does look like a casting imperfection and if it’s not leaking why try to fix it? It’s almost surely been there from the beginning so it’s been doing its job for how long?

[1970S2]

DO A DIE PENATRATION TEST , TO CHECK FOR A CRACK, VERY EASY TO DO,  YOU APPLY A CLEANER, THEN SPRAY PENATREANT , THEN CLEANER, THEN DEVOLOPER, IF YOU SEE RED , ITS A CRACK