Welding differential housing?

The oil soaked into it might pose a problem. I’ve got 34 years experience and was an AWS Certified Welder in construction. Tons of experience with cast, SS, mild, tool, aluminum, titanium and other exotics. Silver solder, braze, solder… you name it and I’ve probably done it. If it’s cracked, best to locate each end of the crack and drill a hole in each end to prevent the crack from getting any longer. Personally I’d get it as clean as I could and use nickel rod on it. But the 2 main things is to stop the crack from growing and get it clean. Might have to steam it?? It helps to get it very warm before welding too. You probably know that though. I’ll help any way I can with info if you need it.

 

You will be fine just like that if you can weld. I have done many with 7018.

 

Might try to braze it…??? Just don’t get it too hot in one spot. If you do, it’ll crack all over that area. Pre-heat to dull gray, but not anywhere near cherry red. 400° - 450°. I’d use a Temp-Stick on it to be sure it doesn’t get too hot.

 

Are those cast steel??

 

I agree with drilling a hole at each end. I also agree with welded plenty with 7018. If I was to put a root pass I’d use a 6010. However I’ll tell you the trick to making it hold. That is preheat the piss out of it. You’re trying to run the oil out of the crack not turn it red control your heat. There’s way more oil on top than you think. You try to weld oil and it’s not gonna hold.

 

Grind most of the old failed weld out
Heat till you can sizzle your spit on it
weld with 7018 or similar
6013 will be more accepting of oil residue but not as strong however I’d say your more containing oils than in need of structural repair

 

Stamped structural plate steel
Cast steel is very weldable though and nothing to be afraid of

 

Ok, I didn’t know that! I learn something new every day. I always thought those were cast steel.

 

A 6013 is not designed for a root bead a 6010 is. I’m not saying a 6013 will not work, I’m only saying that the properties of a 6010 will work much better.