Cleaning Up Cross Member. Where Usual Cracks?

[RRoller123]

I am cleaning up the '80 2L Cross Member and will be de-rusting, painting it, etc, in preparation for the short block engine return scheduled for this weekend. It looks really good to me, but does anyone know where the usual cracks might show up? I obviously want to pay close attention to those areas before I put the block back in. Thanks.

[Nanonevol]

Here's a photo of a repair done to mine before I bought it.
Right side of car. I'm sure you've heard of the importance of checking the bolt torque on these.
Here's the result if not done!

[18Fiatsandcounting]

My understanding is that these usually crack near where the bolts attach the crossmember to the "frame". But I do have a question: I keep hearing how important it is to keep these bolts tight, and cracks can spell doom for an otherwise solid Fiat, but what are the actual symptoms of cracks (other than visual)? I mean, the engine doesn't exactly fall out of the bottom when you're driving along, or at least I hope not. But are there "clicks" or "pops" as the crossmember moves? Is the front end alignment hard to keep where it should be? Does the engine shift around upon acceleration or deceleration? Or ????

-Bryan

[RRoller123]

Thanks for the replies, gentlemen. I will check these areas tomorrow.

[RRoller123]

I think the answer to your questions about the consequences of the cracks would be all of the above! Would probably continue to grow until something really bad became noticeable.

[axelbaker]

Here is where mine cracked. If you have the engine out, i would take out the cross member and have it seam welded, or at least double the stitch welds currently there. I had welds on mine that just plain missed. They hit one piece of metal but not the one it was getting welded to.

[RRoller123]

Wow, thanks for the pic, that is certainly serious! Cross member has been inspected, torqued and repainted. All ok.