Another Use for J-B Weld

[Healey Nut]

So another project on my 62 Tri Carb was the shocks .
I would have normally sent them to Apple Hydraulics for overhaul and upgrade but with the border closed etc etc I decided to DIY them
Got the upgraded valves from AutoFarm .
Sandblasted all the bodies ready for paint and new oil/valves .
Once they were sandblasted one of the rears started to weep oil out of the casting flash line on the side , prior to sandblasting they were fine and all holding oil .
So I cleaned the weeping area with brake cleaner then mixed up a small amount of JB weld and using my thumb I applied it to the area and forced it into the flash line using thumb pressure , then I smeared a thin coat over the top .
2 days later , not a drip , no oily film , bone dry .
I don’t see why it shouldn’t be fine as there’s no pressure in the casing it’s just a reservoir for oil with a flow restriction device to control the load placed on it as the lever arm moves .

 

[Bob_Spidell]

I wouldn't be comfortable with a crack in any suspension part, load bearing or not. It sounds like you're trying to convince yourself it'll be OK, but I suspect it will always be a little voice in the back of your head. It's always seemed to me that the entire shock body is load-bearing, so a weakness or flaw in any part of it could lessen structural integrity (OTH, I've never heard of a shock breaking apart) . At least, give Peter Caldwell at WorldWide Auto Parts a call or email and see what he thinks; if he thinks your repair is adequate you could rest easy(er).

 

[red57]

I agree with Bob. If you have a leak at a flash line, you have a crack and cracks don't cure themselves, they grow. Even if there is no catastrophic failure, more likely than not, it will start leaking again. In the big picture of restoring a Healey, shocks are cheap. Order a replacement set from Worldwide and move on.

 

[Healey Nut]

I’m not concerned right now , it’s sitting on my bench still bone dry and it’s not a crack it’s a pinhole in the casting .
The only thing keeping the oil inside was the old dirt and paint .
As for ordering new if it comes to that I would get them in Canada as shipping items across the border is ridiculous with taxes on taxes with fees on taxes and duties along with brokerage fees and let’s not forget shipping and handling etc etc etc .
Tks for your concern guys but I won’t have trouble sleeping and really the worst thing is it will leak again but I doubt it .

 

[Keoke]

Setting on your bench bone dry is one thing actually being subjected to the stress when installed on the car could cause a failure.

 

[Michael Oritt]

Next case....