I want to know the technology, theory, and any all/ info on reconditioned Buick BB cranks, as I would think many others would also be interested as they become increasingly unavailable and I have way too many that have spun rod bearing journals. I talked with Mike from TA briefly in BG and he sends them to a place in TX but we didn't get into any details as what can be saved and what should be junked, you guys want to know too I Hope!
Im not sure as far as Buick specific, but crank journals are routinely welded and re-machined back to size. There are quite a few videos on Youtube showing the process. I had the option of getting the thrust surface of my crank welded and machined. I chose to just use a virgin crank instead
Yes we've repaired quite a few customer cranks and re machined. Done when another isn't available or a lot of costly work, Mallory metal or stroked, has been done. Gary
I've had several fridge steel BBC cranks welds and turned back to specs at ohio crankshaft. I'm sure they could do a buick crank too. fred seals in I believe Marysville Indiana is who Mike from AMP now has do most of his work. so he is familiar with our stuff. super nice guy does great work 812-293-4382. the place Gary uses is for sure a top notch shop might be closer, I've never had work done there, but after the tour I wouldn't hesitate to use them
Had my Buick 350 crank thrust welded by Bob at Ace Crankshafts on Long Island and he did a great job. Dont know if he does strokers. I have 1 virgin crank and one I use is .010/.010 in car now stock stroke.
Sure Roberta... in Mpls we have one of the best crankshaft shops in the country.. http://crankshaftsupply.com/home.htm The go/no go on fixing a crank is if it is cracked.. often when you turn a bearing, the heat will cause a stress crack in the radius of that journal.. that is when you throw them out.. Put your cranks on a pallet, and send them off to Crank supply.. they will mag each one, and then repair the ones that can be done.. talk to Jay or Roger for pricing.. you won't find anyone more experience to work on Buick 455 cranks, they have done every one for me since 1986 and Roger has been doing them since '73.. Shops "in the know" send stuff to them from all over the US. JW
Guess I should have thrown the pallet in the truck that I had to move to get to the water softener salt a few minutes ago. I think that's where some other places send them too like RockAuto.com Thanks, Jim
The machine shop I worked at in buffalo has a crank welder. It's somewhat automated from what i remember. It's an expensive process. It was only used a few times when i was there for 5 years.