395 case crack -- can it be welded, does it need to be?

[malk315]

Hey Guys-

I discovered a crack in the case of a 395XP I got running for a friend recently and it looks to me like if it eventually breaks off / grows it won't cause a leak, but it could rob the case of strength -- I think... I'm no expert hence this post.

Is this something that could be welded. @srcarr52 any thoughts? I heard you can weld these?
@huskyboy Mason I know you have time on working on 395's.
@Moparmyway Kevin this is the saw obviously w/ the sweet muffler setup you did.

This saw my friend will use occasionally not a daily use saw. He wants to do some milling with it w/ an Alaska mill setup also. It's a 2012 (youngin to me!) model and all else in excellent shape.

Curious what you guys think? Is this a common place for these to crack? Hopefully pictures below from my picture site work:

https://malk315.smugmug.com/Chainsaws/Alex-Rheinhard-395XP/i-72fBLT8/A

https://malk315.smugmug.com/Chainsaws/Alex-Rheinhard-395XP/i-T3nrMPD/A

 

[malk315]

 

[jacob j.]

Shaun has welded several 394/395 case halves for me with similar or worse cracks. I doubt that one would be much of a challenge.

 

[srcarr52]

It's an easy fix but it's not really a structural part. It probably got cracked in an accident. You could just watch it and make sure it doesn't spread.

 

[Moparmyway]

I would see about stop drilling it and in the off-season send it whole or tear it down to its half and have it welded.

I humbly suggest that the only crack that should be left alone is a male crack

 

[Wonkydonkey]

I humbly suggest that the only crack that should be left alone is a male crack

this cracks me up

 

[malk315]

Thanks guys! Like Shaun was saying I don't think it's structural -- it's part of what forms the "cavity" that the plastic tank/handle bottom fits into. If the saw was dropped and hit that "lip" part it could crack like this.

We will definitely watch it. If it becomes a bigger problem, will address!

Cheers.

 

[drf256]

Drill it at the part of the crack closest to the rear to stop propagation. Pretty easy weld repair.

 

[redoakman]

my 395 has been broken there for years ( piece missing) i am cheap tho