It is really simple, Buy some Cronatron cronacast 211 " The Cast Iron Problem Solver" It requires no pre-heating or chipping of slag.
Where are you at in Georgia ? I'm the Cronatron Zone Manager for most of Georgia.
Here's the spec sheet on the 211.
“THE CAST IRON PROBLEM SOLVER”
Unquestionably the final answer to the most difficult cast iron repair welding. This highly sophisticated
alloy allows repairs that were previously impossible.
IDENTIFICATION: Printed Electrode, TIG Flagged One End
APPLICATION: AC or DC Reverse Polarity
CRONACAST 211 SUPERIOR ADVANTAGES:
• HIGH TENSILE WELDS IN EVERY TYPE OF CAST IRON, INCLUDING GREY AND
MEEHANITE; ALSO PRODUCES EXCELLENT STEEL TO CAST IRON WELDS
• CRONAMIG 211 IS FULLY MACHINABLE AND HAS A HIGH ELONGATION
FACTOR WHICH POSITIVELY PREVENTS CRACKING
• PASS OVER PASS WELDING WITHOUT SLAG REMOVAL BETWEEN PASSES
• ALL POSITION WELDING CAN BE DONE WITH CRONAMIG 211 WITH NO
DISMANTLING OF EQUIPMENT PARTS
TECHNICAL INFORMATION:
TENSILE STRENGTH: 70,000 PSI (483 MPa)
BRINELL HARDNESS: 185-240
OPERATING PROCEDURES:
Use AC or DC reverse polarity. Generally, where a narrow, thin
bead is desired a straight polarity application is suggested.
APPLICATIONS:
• GEAR TEETH • PUMP IMPELLERS
• SPROCKETS • CAST IRON TO STEEL
• PUMP HOUSINGS • CYLINDER BLOCKS AND HEADS
• BEARING HOUSINGS • TRANSMISSION CASES
• TURBINES • HYDRAULIC PRESS RAMS
CONFIDENTIAL MATERIAL, REPRODUCTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, PROHIBITED Printed in U. S. A. (Rev. 7/ 02)
PART
NO.
CW1035
CW1034
CW1033
CW1032
ELECTRODE
SIZE
3/32
1/8
5/32
3/16
AMPERAGE
55-95
75-110
120-150
140-175
COMBO PAC . . . . . . . . CW1725
PART NO.
CW1901
CW1902
CW1903
SIZES
CRONATIG™ 211T
1/16 x 36
3/32 x 36
1/8 x 36
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
CRONATRON WELDING SYSTEMS, INC.
CRONACAST ™ 211
CRONAMIG 211M-FC CRONATIG ™ 211T
PART NO.
CW2065
CW2066
CW2057
CW2058
CW2059
SIZES
CRONAMIG™ 211M-FC
.035 x 10 lbs.
.035 x 33 lbs.
.045 x 10 lbs.
.045 x 33 lbs.
.062 x 33 lbs.
WE 14 Corporate, Research & Distribution Hdqrs: 6510 Northpark Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28216-2367/ 800-843-0763/ www.cronatronwelding.com
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Your technique sounds fine, I would use a bit of pre-heat. MG 289 is a good rod to use here. It is all nickle and runs like butter.(smoooooth)!
Mg Industries markets this stuff, expensive though.
Other brands may work as well for you, but I've found this stuff works well.
Small cracks can be welded using the stitch or short bead method (weld a bit,peen ,let cool, weld a bit more, ect).
Long cracks are better welded using pre -heat.
A big charcoal fire does a nice job of pre-heating.
Leave object in fire till charcoal goes out after welding(this gives a somewhat controlled post heat).
Cast welding can be vexing, some swear it's akin to magic, a little forthought and prep goes a long way here.
Good luck.