I have seen some pictures of cases **** on the clutch side around the crank bearing pocket. I went to pressure check my 540 and its **** around the bearing pocket on the clutch side. On the upper side closest to the crank balancer. Can the case be welded there?

I have asked a few guys already, not going against what they have said. Just looking to see what other people with this problem had done to resolve the issue.

I did not use a press. I used a heat gun and put the bearings in a freezer and dropped them in and did a little socket and hammer therapy to seat them in. Dont think that was the problem but Im not saying it wasnt. Crank was not welded, bearing pockets could be loose. But they have had inserts in them from T&N. Look like bronze or brass.

Here are some pictures.

Damn that sucks - that's about where my original clutch side case was **** too. I guessed the original owner used a press and **** it. 

MHR said he has done this repair...........might try hitting him up.

i would weld it up.  sucks you have to take it all apart again.  this only happen on cases that have inserts?  looks like it makes the cases weaker there.   also where did you support the case when you pressed the bearings in?  have to support the case near the bearing not just have it sit on the case mating surface. 

i don't think it would matter, if you pressed it in or used a socket and hammer.  if the bearing goes in square, it will go right in and easy.  cocked will take more force and something could break, crack.   i always press in main bearings.  never broke a case.  used to use a hammer and socket, didn't like banging on the cases, so i got a little press.

said his origional side case sound like he got diffrent case.

weld it!!!