Is this stem cracked?

[bikenoob]

I recently bought a second hand 1995 Hei Hei that came with a Syncros stem.

Today I noticed what seems to be a crack.
I've drawn a red circle where the crack is.

Is this an actual crack or is it just a superficial damage?
Should I replace the stem?

Bikenoob

 

[hairstream]

Looks cracked to me mate. What's the inside look like?

 

[Pickle]

What's the inside look like?

Yea, it would be useful to pop it off and take a look on the inside.

However, it does look cracked to me.

 

[bikenoob]

as my name implies I'm no good at working on bikes....

The bolt securing the stem to the fork is the side one, while the top cap is just a cap, right?

 

[orange71]

what they said^^^

 

[JeRkY]

you need to fully undo the one on the top, then loosen off the side one.

When it goes back on, fully tighten up the top one before tightening the side one.

 

[REKIBorter]

Strange place to get a crack, can't be from overtightening anything so could it be crash damage? Check the stem is straight would be my next move, swing the bars full lock and measure where the end meets the top tube, is the distance the same for both ends?

 

[stew-b]

its not cracked,its f$%ked!!!

 

[Elev12k]

Wouldn't hammer that one :roll:

 

[speedplay]

time for a new stem I think.....unless your just gonna sit and look at your bike