Difference between revisions of "Aluminum Radiator Repair"

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(The Solder)
(Tig Welding)
 
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===Tig Welding===
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The solder did not work for this repair. Nothing seemed to get the solder to stick to the radiator. In the end, I TIG welded the hole. It was tough. I used a 1/16" electrode at 40 amps and 3/32 filler wire. I would have loved a smaller electrode and wire, but this stuff is small as it is.
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Here is the result, I will pressure test soon:<br>
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[[Image:Welded-radiator.jpg]]
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===The Solder===
 
===The Solder===
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Aluminum solder exists. I could not get it to work.<br>
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[[Image:Alsolder500.jpg]]<br>
 
[[Image:Alsolder500.jpg]]<br>
 
<br>
 
<br>
 
[http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/consumables/alloys.asp?id=5 ALSOLDER 500], [http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/pdf/spec/Solder/ALSOLDER_500_ALUMINUM_SOLDER.pdf PDS]-Flow at 482°F.  <br>
 
[http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/consumables/alloys.asp?id=5 ALSOLDER 500], [http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/pdf/spec/Solder/ALSOLDER_500_ALUMINUM_SOLDER.pdf PDS]-Flow at 482°F.  <br>
 
[http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/consumables/alloys.asp?id=34 Stay-Clean Aluminum Flux], [http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/pdf/spec/flux/Stay_clean_aluminum_soldering_flux.pdf PDS]- A honey like liquid flux.<br>
 
[http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/consumables/alloys.asp?id=34 Stay-Clean Aluminum Flux], [http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/pdf/spec/flux/Stay_clean_aluminum_soldering_flux.pdf PDS]- A honey like liquid flux.<br>
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Kit Price - $27.37 from Praxair.
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===The Torch===
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Mapp gas (C3H4) produces a flame temperature of 5301° F (2927° C)<br>
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Propane gas (C3H8) produces a flame temperature of 4325° F (2385°C)<br>
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===Cleaning the Solder Area===
 
===Cleaning the Solder Area===
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Paint stripper, a soft brush, water, and compressed air clean the area fine.<br>
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[[Image:Paint-stripper.jpg]]
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It foams as it works.<br>
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[[Image:Paint-stripper-working.jpg]]<br>
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[[Image:Cleaned-radiator.jpg]]
  
  
 
[[Category:Motorcycle]]
 
[[Category:Motorcycle]]
 
[[Category:Powerplant]]
 
[[Category:Powerplant]]

Latest revision as of 00:43, 31 July 2007

Tig Welding

The solder did not work for this repair. Nothing seemed to get the solder to stick to the radiator. In the end, I TIG welded the hole. It was tough. I used a 1/16" electrode at 40 amps and 3/32 filler wire. I would have loved a smaller electrode and wire, but this stuff is small as it is.

Here is the result, I will pressure test soon:
Welded-radiator.jpg

The Solder

Aluminum solder exists. I could not get it to work.

Alsolder500.jpg

ALSOLDER 500, PDS-Flow at 482°F.
Stay-Clean Aluminum Flux, PDS- A honey like liquid flux.

Kit Price - $27.37 from Praxair.

The Torch

Mapp gas (C3H4) produces a flame temperature of 5301° F (2927° C)
Propane gas (C3H8) produces a flame temperature of 4325° F (2385°C)


Cleaning the Solder Area

Paint stripper, a soft brush, water, and compressed air clean the area fine.
Paint-stripper.jpg

It foams as it works.

Paint-stripper-working.jpg

Cleaned-radiator.jpg