Yeah sorry I didn't have more enthusiastic advice for you, but when it comes to engines and moving parts I like to err on the side of caution... Welding cases is extremely finicky, machining them after welding is just as intense.

 

My thoughts exactly. Hopefully the shop can give me some good (inexpensive) news.

 

assuming the shop doesn't want to weld it cheaply, I would say get a new engine. I bought one a little while ago for only $300. Good luck.