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1275 Engine Rebuild - Especially Hap!

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M

mxp01

Jedi Warrior
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Gentlemen:

I acquired a 1275 engine from a 1968 Sprite. I'm in the process of tearing it down in order to replace all the engine gaskets. Today I got nearly everything off. However, when I cleaned off the rear engine plate I discovered a crack running from the edge of the hole for the starter across to the other major hole in the center of the plate.

It appears as if the PO did somework on the plate. There is a little goughing around the crack, but it is still visible.

Is this a big deal, or can I just apply the gasket and re-install without a worry of it leaking?

Mike Pennell
 
Are you talking about the rear plate that the tranny attaches to? If so, weld it and grind it down. It should be fine, but it needs to fit properly without flex. Maybe it will be solid when all the bolts are fastened but why? Either fix it or get another one.
 
I'm not a welder. If I have to send it out it will delay my re-assembly, which I was going to undertake today.

Mike Pennell
 
Mike those stock rear engine plates are usually on eBay at any given time and dont get many bids. It may be easier to grab one rather than try and weld yours. Once everything is back together it would s*ck to have to get that back out.
 
The rear plate is cast iron so welding will need to be done accordingly. That area of the plate doesn't seal anything so I'd just run it if you don't want to wait for a good used one. Personally I wouldn't weld it.
 
:iagree:

And join the club! If I had a dime every time my plans got postponed because something was either missing or not quite right........

You don't want to have to repull the motor because of something that you wished you did when you had the chance. There will be enough stuff to "redo"/fix once you get it in.
 
Chris, are you sure about it being cast iron?
 
Hey Mike, I think I have a couple around my shop. you can have for the postage price. Alan
 
Trevor Jessie said:
Chris, are you sure about it being cast iron?
Click to expand...
The rear plates that are flat are castings. The ones with the lip are steel.
 
Right Chris... it is coming back to me now. Both of the 1275's I have have aluminum plates (one datsun, one for ribcase), and the 948 is a pressed unit.
 
Common crack on a cast 1275 back plate, I've got several lying around, I'll sell cheap if you need one. The aluminum plate is good investrment for a race engine, lot more twist on the motor, and alot more taking it in and out, the aluminum plate saves you 8 pounds on weight and does not crack, but most of the time the cast plate works fine on a street car.
 
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