AOD Transmission Blues!

[@mshort7087]

Years ago I built a big stupid 4wd Chevy. My aluminum bell housing for the manual transmission had a 5” crack. At the time I was a dumb kid but a friends dad was a lifelong pipeliner. Roger had never used a high frequency tig. I watched him gouge the crack on both sides with a burr and proceeded to gas weld that cast aluminum bell housing with oxy acetylene. It was a beautiful bead. That bell housing was probably the only thing I never broke behind that 502” big block. Sadly, Roger succumbed to cancer back in 2005. He was like an adopted father figure to me. I’ve tried to duplicate his weld and only succeeded in making a mess of it. Isaac, your mannerisms are a lot like his. Thanks for bringing us along. May God bless you and yours.

[@manga12]

thats too bad , I hope you were able to learn something from him skill takes time to learn though, its amazing what can indeed be repaired or they ways that things are repaired and the methods, but some things are welded stress releaved and its as though they never broke in the first place

[@ianpendlebury9503]

Your welding skills and your laid back commentary ("Oh well, it is what it is") always bring a smile to my face. Please keep making your videos.

[@martymorse2]

Issac, Your ability to be so relaxed with no demonstrative quotes about how skilled you are or responding to something that does not work with open cussing makes your videos so enjoyable.

[@bobqzzi]

Sometimes I look at the stuff you're attempting and just go, "no way!" Yet, every time you get the job done. Remarkable

[@paulhammond7489]

Issac knows when to leave a 'weld' alone. It's a life skill that is acquired during an apprentiship in the university of life. 😊

[@kristianskov4841]

That's what you learn at the universe, not in the university....

[@joesotelo9905]

A cracked block now a broken transmission. Your turning this into a machine shop channel! You are Awesome

[@mrbill8542]

Amazing---didn't think that was even possible !!

[@stancataline7385]

Of all the KZbin videos I watch,,,when i see yours come up i go there first,,,,i learn alot and always amazed at your abilities. Your the man!!!!!

[@rubenfortes378]

Good enough for G'vt work i always say. the food processing machinery i welded on would be contaminated with sulfur from onions the resulting weld would ALWAYS get pores no matter what i did to clean it. I applaud you for your patience.

[@glennsoucy9767]

This looks like a shop drop. No noticeable damage anywhere else.

[@markhanson8366]

Yep! Missed the chain wrap on the tranny lift; gravity got involved as did the concrete floor.

[@craigsudman4556]

The secret of success it to quit while you're ahead. "Well maybe if I just touch it up here, oh crap nuggets". Great video looks good to me thumbs up.

[@markhanson8366]

Love how your 'touch' (fingers) are the final authority on the broken piece placements. That's the power of the human brain and I's experience. Try that Mr AI program---you won't even be in the ballpark! Office and data retrievel maybe for AI, but not today for 'welding'.

[@davidwhitson4558]

Small block C6, those cases were sort of rare even "back in the day". Amazing workmanship as always.

[@davidwhitson4558]

@@user-bt6hh9yu1n the C6 was made with three different bell housing bolt patterns. The 300 to 351C version was the rarest as most 351's came with an FMX tranny or a C4 (at least in Canada where I'm from). That's the version Isaac is working on. 351M/400/429/460 was the most plentiful version. 360/390/410/428 was the other version.

[@davidwhitson4558]

oh, it's a AOD.....dime a dozen.

[@kevinknight470]

@@davidwhitson4558 Just curious about a 351M. I have heard of a 351 Windsor, 351 Cleveland. I have always liked to here from the workers that worked the Factories, always interesting. Thanx.😃

[@davidwhitson4558]

@@kevinknight470 the 351M was an engine based on the 400. Same external size as a 400, with a shorter 3.5" stroke to give 351 cubes. The 351M took the same transmission as a 400 and shared pretty much everything except displacement. Not desirable in performance applications.

[@kevinknight470]

@@davidwhitson4558 Thank You. 😃

[@dri50]

With all the stitching this could be a FrankenTrans ! Looks great!

[@Android_Warrior]

FrankenTrans!!!!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂

[@BigTruck27]

I loved the left & right gloves marked right & left.

[@bubbagreensmith7174]

Isaac at his trickery again! Amazing skill and patience 👍

[@arustydodge2111]

Well done, ISAAC. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Love implementing the 4043 to keep it ductile. If it cracks, it won’t occur in the areas you repaired! 👍👍 Thank you for another lesson!🙏😇🙏

[@fishbonker8427]

The enemy of good is better. I appreciate the way you stop before "trying for better" screws up the good. I seems like your skills overcome your hope, whereas my hope is always overcome by my lack of skills. I own a welder, but no way would I consider myself a welder, but I always learn something of value from your vids.

[@harryman8378]

Issac. Brilliant job mate 👍👍👍. And I think it would definitely 💯 win a beauty contest. 👍👍👍

[@hank5655]

Isaac When it comes to the impossible You again do it up Perfect, Thanks for showing us how it can be done!!!

[@jimbobhavens8634]

If anyone could weld a broken heart or the Crack of dawn it's Mr ic weld!!

[@mikep1085]

Love that the left glove is labeled 'RIGHT'!! 🤣😂

[@HeinzKramer-k7c]

As my girlfriend: look there in the right! where? no, the other right, left!

[@markreetz1001]

Aluminum seems like such a tough metal to weld. I appreciated your willingness to stop working for the beauty contest winner and settle for "Miss Congeniality" haha! It looks pretty good to me. You know most of us would be happy with Miss Congeniality! Lol!

[@johnglasgow83]

You are right by quitting at the right time. If it works, don't fix it. First goal is the strength of the weld. If you can make it beautiful, bonus. I like the variety of the projects. And as a professional, you make look so easy. Great video.

[@ruthbees7214]

You so right when you say it's broke. Cannot get any worse. My friend is a farmer and used to say to me we can only make it better. He did all his repairs with his father. When you have to save something because of the cost and if your losing money with downtime you will find a way to get it done.❤ Ruth

[@jasonlevernier9819]

I say you are a miracle worker and you done as good of a repair as could have been done. Welding on that old dirty material is very difficult but you pulled it off!

[@michaelpoziwilko3176]

When I seen the transmission I thought to myself why not get a junkyard transmission and rebuild it. Then I seen the prices, and I understand now why someone would pay to have it repaired. Good job, thanks for the entertainment.

[@Rogster559]

Bloody fine work Isaac, bell housing’s aren’t the easiest to glue together, I’ve seen a couple that have opened up an extra fault line off the original join , you are a champion in your trade well done, best wishes from Tasmania Australia 🇦🇺

[@jeffh5664]

I don't think I've ever seen you TIG weld before. Good job Isaac, all things considered. Thanks for the information.

[@MrRebar15]

*I C Weld* Bravo well done, thank-you sir for taking the time to bring us along. GOD Bless.

[@tedheierman1181]

AL is no joke to weld. Great job on getting this done!

[@Zerostar369]

If I was the customer I would be very happy with that repair.

[@jerryleejohnsonjr1377]

Not many people would even try that repair, great job as usual!

[@jrehtil1494]

You have exceeded your ability to bring things back from the dead.

[@robertmintz63]

Great job . We always cleaned the aluminum with acetone

[@sixtyfiveford]

Impressive work.

[@bradlewellen7461]

I learned to not break the bell housing on my transmission ... lol great video

[@stephenmeeks684]

Great job and thank you for sharing.

[@davidschwartz5127]

Good to see you again, I enjoy watching your videos and wish I could weld like you.

[@overwatch2671]

Great video, Issac. Good lesson. Aluminum is a fickle creature. Especially cast and a repair. I believe that you are correct. Leaving well enough alone. See you on the next one

[@rtundlt1]

Another awe inspiring video Isaac. My dad used to tell me I could tear up an anvil with a rubber mallet so when I do I know who to take the anvil to for repairs.

[@campy9712]

This video makes me think of the cars in Cuba. Welding aluminum is not easy, but you make it look easy. Thanks for sharing your work with us.

[@johnw1078]

I love the welding glove designation of right on the left hand glove

[@RalfyCustoms]

Great job as always Isaac, thoughtfully and expertly done as ever buddy, thanks for bringing us along

[@edwarddavis507]

I think it’s better than when you first saw it. That’s a monster transmission. It is so cool that you know something about most everything. Very nice repair. I would have never thought a casting could crack while cooling down. Going with the softer filler metal was an excellent choice. Thank You!

[@just1nicmechanicalwelding82]

Isaac, I really love your videos ...

[@ghilreese3413]

Nice save. Thanks for the videos.

[@MikeBaxterABC]

0:18 .. remember when the bell housing was a SEPARATE part of an automatic transmission?? That bolted on with 4 bolts, and was $5 at the scrap yard!??? :)

[@thinking-monkey]

I've noticed that we say "I wish I had just left that alone" much more than we say "I should leave well enough alone" and actually leave it alone. Knowing when to say that is definitely a form of wisdom gained through experience and we all know Isaac has plenty of that. Great job on that repair, my friend! (I wonder how many shops turned that job down with a "Can't be done" remark before it made it to you? lol)

[@billblock8090]

Isaac I look forward to your projects. You make every job interesting and informative. I wish you had time to give us more downloads, but I know you are busy. Look forward to anything you give us. From the Hill Country.

[@thebruteforce1]

Thanks for another cool video

[@carloskawasaki656]

Thank you for sharing, another great project, always a pleasure watch your project, i learn a lot, your explanation are awesome 👍👍👍👍

[@stephenpaynter7235]

Been following your channel for 3 years, I think. Really enjoy the content. Keep up the good work.

[@glennbarker222]

Lovely job, somebody should be really happy to be able to get their gearbox back on the car and get rolling again. Well done, thanks for sharing with us.

[@bobpowers9862]

You are an amazing welder. I saw that, and the obvious age of the base metal, and thought no way. Impressive. You are the guy I'd want, to weld my aluminum safety ladder frame. Seriously. Nice job.

[@charleswelch249]

It's a Ford, just changed the belonging and get back to businesses 😂😂. You do amazing work and love watching your Chanel.

[@danielpullum1907]

Good to see you back Good Sir!!!! Well, I'd call it damn near beautiful. Dem transmission guys will be bangin on your door like never before. Ye Ole Caterpillar Cowboy signing off.

[@keith73z28]

i Was not an Aluminum Welder but did spend some years up close and personal to MILES and miles of very top notch aluminum welds. Not a shop, but a full scale production facility. The parts were halves and forgings of Aluminum forklift cylinders. They were all Cleaned in a "Five stage cleaning system" that was seriously effective in getting that clean before welding. With what you are handed sometimes I can truthfully and accurately say if there were anyone better It sure as heck would not be needed or necessary. Your skills are top notch, and you are a great teacher for your son. Thank you for making these videos.

[@garymucher4082]

Once again you do amazing, but equally unusual welding. I would have told the customer to buy another trans case and be done with it. But you put it all back together. Thumbs Up!

[@ianwebster4329]

Your work is a credit to you. Not too many people would even have attempted that. Thanks & good luck!

[@wansolve289]

I understand the customer wanting to get it “fixed”, but you gotta figure the $200~$400 he paid to get it welded against the hundreds of C6’s in the salvage yards he could have used and just rebuilt the transmission at the same time he’d have a lot better end result. As always, awesome fix Isaac!

[@HoodWeldingandFabrication]

I just did an aluminum casting on the front cover of an Isuzu. Had the same issues. It had to be flat on one side so when blending it all the porosity would show up. Had to reweld several times but finally got it. Great job on this one!

[@jacobfoxworth]

Good job man. I've never cared much for those Instagram welds. I'm a practical guy. If it works and holds together and looks decent then I'm happy with it. Again, good job and good video.

[@transmitterguy478]

Issac, tell the owner to turn down the power a little.😁 Great job Issac, better than I could have done, you are a pro.

[@bennyharper862]

Can't believe they brought the whole thing. You should charge multiple hours for the leaks, weight etc. It has to come apart anyway if they are competent. Between you and me I would have put a straight edge on your plate just for the heck of it. Somebody already "repaired" it for a reason. Keep 'em coming!

[@douglasthompson2740]

Very nice. That cast stuff is a challenge at best but when it is and has been soaked in tranny fluid and whatever else got splashed on it it becomes a potpourri. Love that 2" plate! Thought for a minute that we were going to get an exhibition of overhead TIG welding. Once again you pulled it off beautifully. Knowing when to stop is a big part of the knowledge toolbox!

[@JonDingle]

Now that is a really top repair young man. Knowing when to stop welding is important. We are all guilty of seeking to make either a stronger or prettier job and then end up making it worse. I did a timing belt cover last week and got to the point of "Its a bit ugly" so should I stop or should I go some more, I chose the latter and it paid off. I doff my cap to you for taking that job on and doing it great!

[@KD0CAC]

I had one of these about 30 yrs. ago , I only had a mig at the time , and used a spool gun --- ouch ;) Never had a chance to checkout some time later , I do like seeing attempts some time after repair to see if things work out . Thanks again

[@tylerh8230]

I enjoy all your videos. Learn something new every time. Thanks for all your hard work

[@Andrew_Fernie]

You say it aint pretty but a blind man would be happy to see it.

[@scotthultin7769]

You'll need a block to bolt it to so you can have the right pattern to go off of in my opinion

[@ICWeld]

Yeah, I was worried about that but it all went together real well. I mentioned to them to look at the dowel pin area. May need to drill it out a bit.

[@joeburrows6]

How when half of it is missing. You will put more stress on the transmission 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@leewelbanks6366]

Issac, great job with that trans case, cast aluminum is always a tough job. Another rod you could use would be Hobart 4943, its not as hard as 5356 so not prone to cracking. It is a lot stronger than 4043. It is a bit pricey and it also comes in a mig wire which I've used a lot of.

[@SFS13-01]

I think that’s a fine job for what it is. Especially, when you don’t TIG cast aluminum everyday.

[@paulshamonis6362]

The Beauty of this repair is make hold when reinstalled, knowing when to quit comes with experience, and hopefully you advised the customer, What ever you did to break it don’t do that again, Great video!

[@asmithh2697]

Beautiful weld repair! Whole lot better than what I have seen in the past repairs with completely disassembled cases. You are the Man!

[@brian_2040]

Man just the fact that you took this job shows alot about you Issac. I wouldn't be able to find anyone in my area to take the job much less fix it. You are the man.

[@bw6378]

More fun from this side of the camera for sure. lol Looks good. Why it has broken twice is the real question. Thanks for the video!

[@hubertrobinson8825]

Thanks for sharing it's a job well done looks can be deceiving to me it's better than it may looks and from where I'm sitting it looks pretty damn good

[@steamfan7147]

I see maybe 4-5 cracked bell housings a year. You're right that softer is better, 4043 is all I ever use on cast, it works fine, I do everything pretty much the same way you did. Only thing I do different is back gouge the inside with a 3/8 ball shaped burr just to clean out the burnt oil residue in the crack. They actually weld pretty good on the inside after that.

[@ICWeld]

Thanks for the info

[@johnjay5143]

Looks great to me Isaac . I would have definitely left the bead on too . Makes it stronger . Now they have a Frankenstein C-6 . lol Great work like usual . :)

[@lordhoho1]

Pure artistry

[@SebKrause661]

I think you've done a great job, as you said it's already broke can't get worse! Make do with the cards you have been dealt, isn't always possible to have everything at your disposal to make a repair. Thanks for taking us along and disregard the armchair experts.

[@ZILAwelds]

HTP TIG WELDERS. THE BEST KEPT SECRET IN THE INDUSTRY 😂😂😂

[@coolasice2187]

HTP LOL

[@michaelwalsh98]

A nice looking TIG Weld beats an ugly gas weld all day long, great job Issac!!

[@michaelbigelow367]

That looks awesome! Great job Issac!

[@robostyle9773]

Thanks for another great video

[@guygfm4243]

That’s a good job and it looks good

[@ypaulbrown]

Issac, at least you did not have to chase the crack and drill a hole at the end, because you knew exactly where the crack ended.......haha thanks for sharing your wisdom, Paul in Orlando

[@garyyorke1080]

As always you have a way with the description of the job in hand . Good result at the end as long as it functions as it needs to then it's a result . Yup probably won't win any beauty contests but if it holds then it's a gold medal and first place . As always thanks for allowing us to tag along

[@glenngosline1710]

Excellent craftsmanship

[@stuartlockwood9645]

Hi Isaac 😊, you did a great job mate, well glued together as you like to say. Pretty thin casting , I guess the bean counters had a hand in trimming back in the foundry,lol. Thanks for another interesting video, stay safe, best wishe's to you and your's, Stuart UK.

[@erikgiggey4783]

wish i had you around when i built my truck years ago, it had the 352 base engine block which used a different bolt pattern than standard c6 and i broke 1 bolt through, someone put the wrong input shaft in lol. took me 6 months to find a replacement then had to rebuild that one, expensive mistake. my neighbor was an old german welder and he said it was impossible to weld but to be fair to him, he was in his 80s and had been retired a while, i dont think he ever heard of tig lol but give him big iron and he did some amazing work

[@ragnarironspear1791]

Brilliant work as always 👍🏻👍🏻🇬🇧

[@jayh1947]

Great job as usual. Thank You..............Jay

[@richardellis3141]

nice repair, thanks for the lesson

[@TheMegalegenden]

This is my go to ASMR channel. Dead serious. ❤

[@abpsd73]

I've always heard how welding any cast metal is difficult. You made it look easy.

[@mineown1861]

Excellent work on a housing that was eggshell thin in spots , so next time humpty dumpty takes a tumble you're up . And you're right , there are jobs where you have to know to call it a day before it turns into an all-nighter . Thanks for another informative and entertaining video , that slab of steel did get a laugh .

[@curtisroberts9137]

Really came out great and the softer allow will probably handle the vibration better than a 50 series. Especially if someone is abusing it in a hotrod or truck.

[@sams244]

Nice work