aluminum fuel tank welding
I am finally getting around to looking at installing a set of saddle tanks I got from Steve out of his cruiser. I wanted to change the pickups a bit, and need a mount welded back on that was removed.
These tanks have been empty and open for at least 8 years. Anyone know anyone who'd be willing to weld on them?
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
-- Thomas Jefferson
I have welded on a couple of used gas tanks. I was taught to fill the tank with water, then leave the water hose in the tank and on. This keeps the water moving. never had any problems, but was always a little nervous.
if they've been empty for eight years it isn't any problem as far as fumes go.I've found pumping C02 into the tank at several leters a minute works real well and it wont keep the tank too cold. I'd be willing to weld them but I'm way down in Otay on the border.
Last edited by Sis Q Kid; 07-23-2012 at 09:26 PM.
I may take you up on that if no one speaks up that happens to be a little more local. thanks!Originally Posted by Sis Q Kid
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
-- Thomas Jefferson
Never trust fuel tanks. Get rid of the AIR inside and you will have no issues. A fail safe way to get rid of the air is to use ARGON. Stick the end of the hose in the fill hole and let it run at 15-30psi. Purge for 10-20min until your sure nothing but argon is coming out of the tank around the fill hole (Don't remove the hose). Keep the line in the tank during your repair at the same psi. Keep the line in the tank until you are complete all welding. Argon is cheap, use it.
Water is cheaper then argon, yes. It's messy, and your using electricity to weld. Argon is meant to deplete air specifically for welding. Right tool for the job...
Did you ever hear the story about the guy that mistakenly filed it with oxygen?
I don't imagine he is the one telling the story.
I heard it from here.
I'm sure people within a five mile radius heard it happenI heard it from here.
No big deal - just flush them out with soapy water (I used liquid dish soap), the detergent kills the fumes. do it about 3-4 times and its good to go. I just did it with both my stainless tanks that needed new bungs welded into them. Work out just fine.
1975 Sanger True Flat - 496 BBC
X2 If you use water make sure the tank is full and there is no air space at all ! I saw a tank blow because of a small amount of air in the tank. Argon or co2 is probly the safest.
Guys, these tanks haven't had gas in them for 10 years!
Last edited by steveo143; 07-24-2012 at 01:10 PM.
steveo143 AKA DiMarco 21 II
Now totally Green on E-85, saving the world one ear of corn at a time!
RIP Davey B and Denis
Just lite a match to them.... that'll tell you if there are any fumes present!!!!!
1975 Sanger True Flat - 496 BBC
definitely a sure fire way to tellJust lite a match to them.... that'll tell you if there are any fumes present!!!!!
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