heat-treat castings

["James J." <m1garand@speakeasy.net>]

Seems to me that a long time ago there was some discussion on this list 
about wether or not aluminum castings were heat-treated (I think someone 
was welding a bell-houseing or something).  I don't recall the specifics 
of the original thread, but I came across a few articles in the last 
month that referred to pistons (cast) and engine blocks and heads being 
heat-treated to T-6 specs.  I doubt that all castings receive that 
treatment, but in the most general sense: it is possible to heat-treat 
aluminum castings, and probably something to consider when welding.
   I asked my machinist about this when he was TIGing up some of the 
more hideous pits on my Buick 300 heads.  In my case he said that the 
heat was applied in such a small and controlled fashion that it didn't 
warrant re-heat-treating, but that major repairs might.  Lets hope I 
never need major repairs.
James Jewell

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