Cracked the clutch cover

Argh. Still a newbie at this so seeking some experienced advice on a dumb mistake.

Cracked the clutch cover on an Echo CS-4910 and trying to figure out if super gluing it will be safe or if a replacement is needed.

The crack compromises the integrity of the channel where the bar tensioner screw sits. There’s a metal plate on the backside of the screw but the front is the plastic cover. Looks like a glue or epoxy might take care of it but I’m not confident that’s a safe thing to do. If the glue lets go I can see the tensioner possibly popping out of the bar from vibration.

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

 

If that were mine, I’d rough up the area with coarse sandpaper, thoroughly degrease and apply JB Weld, making sure it didn’t get where shouldn’t be. I’d run it after proper cure and see how well it held up.
If you’re worried or concerned, buy a replacement.

 

Epoxy might work and it might not. If you do glue it obviously keep an eye on it until you build your confidence up that its not going to rebreak. Then still check periodically. If you're the type to run equipment and not service or inspect regularly, best to just replace it now.

 

Another vote for attempted salvage. Keep an eye on it every time you have the cover off. Over time if the crack expands, look into replacing it.

 

Attempt to salvage it and get the next one on the way. Even if you get it fixed it probably won’t last forever

 

The Wood Wolverine Jeffrey Svoboda Eric Wanderweg Sandhillbilly

Thank you one and all! I appreciate the time you took to look at this and comment. I'll post an update when done.

 

There is a JB weld specifically for plastic. Its black. I've used it with success on a broken John Deere rider hood and a couple other things. I V grooved the cracks first so there was more area to glue.

 

I myself would just replace it. A lot of those types of plastic don't take glue well , especially in an area that has oil residue. Once oil gets into the plastic the glue just isn't happy. Not to mention that the plastic is loaded with oils anyway to start with.

You could certainly try to glue it, but I would guess it won't last long.

 

Stuff like this bothers me on my equipment (some sort of ocd) so it's usually replaced and the old one is kept as spare if plausible.

That does look like it could be mended though.

 

I would also replace it myself but he was asking about fixing it.

 

This ^ ^ ^ regular JB won't hold this worth a poop

 

Getting the correct product will be most the battle. Can use wood glue to connect to peices of metal but it probably won't last.

 

Have you priced a new one ? Echo parts are quite reasonable.

 

I have heard a bunch about CA glue and baking soda. Haven’t tried it myself yet tho.

 

Now that you say that i remember watching a video where they applied the glue and then sprinkled the baking soda on it. I've never done it but that guy claimed it was the way to go.

 

I looked last night out of curiosity. I think its around $35 for the cover minus the metal parts.

 

I've had great success with regular JB weld on stuff just like this. The best was the antenna for my beeper remote for my pointing dog. That antenna when though bendy to a point, never fell off again despite regular use for years. The collar itself finally failed and ruled it useless. Garmin bought that company up, and essentially scuttled it. They were made to last too long. Lol.

 

$35,00...I would get a new one!

 

Yeah, it's about $30 for just the cover, $50ish for the whole assembly. Picked up some JB Plastic Bonder today and the CA/baking soda looks interesting too. I'm gonna give the fix a go first.

 

Most definitely. And Id try to fix the other too.