Oh wow. that's just a casting flaw? Do the aluminum cases have these types of flaws more commonly?

It's a bit hard to see it clearly in the pic but the flaw to the right above the numbers is a casting flaw, no problem there.
This other one on the left is the issue. Clearly not just a casting flaw, I only wish it were. Can't figure how deep it is without really grinding into it
On the lower part you can see a little sanding has been done at some time, with pretty rough disk. No real sign of welding or repair. I think it's been like this the whole time I've had it and My budget now is spoken for elsewhere in the project anyway.
I really think if a welding repair were going to be done it might require emptying the case first, don't really know.
Don't think it's been leaking, I'll probably put it back in and watch it.

Whew what a shock to find!
I don't think Im up for a complete engine tear down in the nomad garage. Not my first anyways

I do wonder if a good repair could be done with the engine together?
Any welders comments?.

Cheers Richard

This was my first thought as well. I'd think if it was a crack, you'd see some oil seepage from it. There are threads every so often with similar pictures and questions & more often than not, the imperfections are from the casting process.

Hope that's what it is! If it's an actual crack, then... yikes!