Fan shroud cracking/structural degredation

[Justin@Athens]

Hey guys, digging into a fan hub bearing replacement and alternator refurbishment, I found this:








I am unsure why this has occurred. Thoughts? Powder coating gone wrong? Improper cleaning agent?

I am aware these are partially made of magnesium, could a corrosive cleaner done this damage?

[wayner]

Is that just the finish lifting because of corrosion or is it the actual metal? (Can't tell on my screen)

[Justin@Athens]

It is the indeed the metal. It is kind of erupting, or at least that is the best way I can describe it. So far there are no problem areas impeding fan operation, the corrosion is situated behind the fan blades.

[Reiver]

Looks pretty deep in a few places and definitely needs work if it is still salvageable. I've no idea what can be done to magnesium to fix that but some folks have had them repaired.....

[gregwils]

I'd like to see Wayne start offering them, right now Vertex Auto is the only supplier of aluminium housings as far as I know. $600.

[grizzfan]

I recommend you contact Mark Motshagen in Costa Mesa, and send him the photos. If the housing can be repaired, Mark can do it. Mine was not in bad shape but he took all the pits and cracks out of it and ceramic coated both the housing and fan. Beautiful job.

Mark's email address is mots356@yahoo.com Somehow I've misplaced his phone number.

Photo of my assembly attached.

Best,

Tom

[Justin@Athens]

Thanks grizzfan! I just sent him an email.

[steely]

Any update on this?

[Justin@Athens]

I have not spoken with Mark yet, I am going to see my local indy tomorrow--who does a lot of fabrication and metal work himself, to see what his opinion is first. I am not really optimistic this unit can be saved, or if it is cost effective to do so. I will let you guys know how this turns out.

Magnesium alloys can apparently be tig welded, but they do require preheating and some other special procedures.

[47silver]

http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/welding-magnesium.html

Good info on welding magnesium

[Justin@Athens]

Well, after some consideration, I just decided to extricate as much of the corrosion as I could with my dremel tool and fill the void with JB weld. Yes I'm a cheapskate, but frankly it is not like it is it going to fall apart tomorrow and blow up my car.