Click for Perko Click for Cross Click for Westport Click for YF Listing Service Click for Glendinning

Machining/Casting aluminum cooler covers

Discussion in 'Engines' started by CTdave, Aug 16, 2023.

You need to be registered and signed in to view this content.
  1. CTdave, Aug 16, 2023
    #1
    CTdave

    CTdave Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2004
    Messages:
    876
    Location:
    Greenwich CT/ Stuart FL
    I've been searching for two aluminum Charge Air cooler covers for an MTU 12v183. Both sides are corroded and have to be replaced They're no longer available from MTU so I've been hitting Aluminum casting foundries and C&C machine shops in CT and NY. I've been to six or seven but nobody is interested. The big shops all want to fabricate hundreds and the specialty shops don't seem interested.

    **The pictures are of one that I found on Ebay but it's from a TE92, not 93 & it's about an inch shorter. Once I find a shop, I'll take one off & send it to be matched.

    I've also tried Strike Marine and another place in Ft. Lauderdale (both deal in used diesel engines/parts) but no luck there.

    It doesn't even have to get this technical. The raised areas at each bolt hole don't have to be machined like that, it can all be flush/even. There is nothing that attaches to these and there are no clearance issues

    Anyone ever had specialty aluminum parts either cast or machined? If so, who did you use?

    Thanks!

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Aug 16, 2023
  2. Capt Ralph, Aug 16, 2023
    #2
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2004
    Messages:
    13,436
    Location:
    Satsuma, FL
    So, what is wrong with the one in the photos?
  3. YachtForums, Aug 16, 2023
    #3
    YachtForums

    YachtForums Administrator

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2002
    Messages:
    20,610
    Location:
    South Florida
    Dave,

    These are simple, no-pull sand cast parts that could be easily scanned and output to a 3D printer giving you a pattern for a lost wax process. There are foundries that will pour one-off parts. Because it's a small part and easy to ship, there's no need to stay local. Maybe venture a call to Perko in Miami. They have an in-house foundry and might consider a single pour. 305.621.7525
  4. Steve in SoCal, Aug 16, 2023
    #4
    Steve in SoCal

    Steve in SoCal Member

    Joined:
    May 6, 2007
    Messages:
    87
    Location:
    Land locked in woodland Hills
    That could be easily machined from solid not cast, a pattern and all the expense in casting a one off is not really worth it in a simple part like this.
    YachtForums likes this.
  5. CTdave, Aug 17, 2023
    #5
    CTdave

    CTdave Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2004
    Messages:
    876
    Location:
    Greenwich CT/ Stuart FL
    The pictures are of one that I found on Ebay but it's from a TE92, not 93 & it's about an inch shorter. Once I find a shop, I'll take one off & send it to be matched
  6. CTdave, Aug 17, 2023
    #6
    CTdave

    CTdave Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2004
    Messages:
    876
    Location:
    Greenwich CT/ Stuart FL
    Thanks Carl! I'll give them a try
  7. CTdave, Aug 17, 2023
    #7
    CTdave

    CTdave Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2004
    Messages:
    876
    Location:
    Greenwich CT/ Stuart FL
    This was my first thought. I just haven't found a machine shop that'll do it. Still looking & will also try Perko as Carl mentioned
  8. Bob Quinn, Aug 21, 2023
    #8
    Bob Quinn

    Bob Quinn New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2020
    Messages:
    2
    Location:
    Romeo, Mi
    I have a CNC shop in Michigan, I might be able to do that. I'm not the cheapest on the planet but I'm pretty good at reverse engineering stuff like this.
    My cell is 586 six one zero 4493

    I also have a buddy with a couple 3d printers, we were talking about the 3d printed wax the other day. I sent him a screen shot to see what he thinks.
    Last edited: Aug 21, 2023
    Capt Ralph likes this.
  9. Bob Quinn, Aug 22, 2023
    #9
    Bob Quinn

    Bob Quinn New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2020
    Messages:
    2
    Location:
    Romeo, Mi
    My friend says he can do a lost wax pattern if it is less than 10 x 10, he is looking into price.
    Let me know on the size if you can. The one in the pic looks slightly over 10 in one direction. Are yours the same size?