Is my PM66 casting cracked?

[Steve Prill]

recently purchased a PM66 that I think is from 1999 (non-metallic gold color). While cleaning the inside casting I found a split area between the two sides of the casting beside the hole for the blade raise/lower shaft. The picture shows the bottom of the casting. The area I'm wondering about is the part of the casting behind the long tilt gear part of the casting. The split is straight and looks like it was done on purpose. It just seems odd to have a split there. Is the split supposed to be there?

http://lh6.ggpht.com/StevePrill/SH_WFiBoC1I/AAAAAAAAADg/CjYckIqXdMM/EPSN0014%20%282%29.JPG?imgmax=512

Here are additional photos. A close up from the bottom and the top. The odd thing is that this split appears to have come from the factory this way. The close ups show that each side of the split is slightly different. On one side the casting is fairly square and on the other side of the split the casting edge is rounded. There is also gold paint down in the crack.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/StevePrill/SH_oBYmrxjI/AAAAAAAAAEc/jJI0_a8ECPk/EPSN0020%20%282%29.JPG?imgmax=512

http://lh4.ggpht.com/StevePrill/SH_nhPeY_6I/AAAAAAAAAEA/VHcBQNoKdu8/EPSN0022%20%282%29.JPG?imgmax=512

Thanks,
Steve

[Chris Rosenberger]

I will check mine in the morning, but I believe that mine is just like that.

[Lee Schierer]

It doesn't look like a crack. The two sides aren't mirror image of each other. I don't know why they would have made the casting that way or what purpose it serves having the separation, but it doesn't appear to be a crack and doesn't look like it would result in any problems. My recommendation would be to continue with the clean and lube operations, put it back together and start making sawdust.

[Dennis Lopeman]

That looks intentional... but we'll see what that other guys says about his.

My thoughts are that that is intentional to enable "setting" (more like pounding probably) a tightness around that shaft... You know?

[Chris Rosenberger]

I checked my saw & it has that type of slot in it also.

[Steve Prill]

Thanks to all of you for responding. I definitely feel better about buying the saw. The saw is in very good shape (now that I know I it's not cracked). It had a 5HP, 3PH motor on it that I am changing out with a new Lesson 3HP, 1PH. Anyone need a good running 5HP, 3PH motor?

Again, thanks.

Steve