Volkswagen Repair: cracked housing, dodge van, heliarc

Question
After putting in 2 new starters in my 93 Jetta, a friend said the housing where the starter goes is cracked. The transmission is fine, just the housing. Do I need to replace the whole tranny or can the housing be repaired? Money is an issue

Answer
Megan, thank you for your question.  The transmission can be fixed but you have to take it to a machine shop or welding shop (that means the transmission needs to be out of the vehicle, it is safer to have it out but some shops will do it with the transmission still in the vehicle).  The process is called Heliarc, which is best but TIG can also be used.  Most welding shops should be able to do it.  The real question comes with now long it will last.  That is something I can not say.  It might last a year, a day or even 10 years.  It is just hard to tell.  The cost will be lower but the actual cost depends on the shop.  Not long ago, I had a Transmission for a Dodge Van that was welded for $100.  This can give you an idea of the cost.  But still better than $600 to 2500 for another transmission! Hope that helps