filling weld pin holes - Lateral-g Forums

**WSSix** · #1 03-14-2015, 11:22 AM

Since my welding still sucks, do I have any options for filling the pin holes I'm finding on my headers? I only have a burner that can screw on top a small bottle at my disposal. I was hoping maybe I could solder the holes shut. I'm getting tired of trying to reweld areas. Suggestions?

Thanks

**Sieg** · #2 03-14-2015, 12:29 PM

Do you like playing Whack A Mole?

How old are the headers?

What gauge metal?

Where are the pinholes?

What caused the pinholes?

Technically the metal on the backside of the hole needs to be clean just like the topside.

Using copper as a backing material makes life much easier.

**WSSix** · #3 03-14-2015, 02:57 PM

They're brand new freshly designed and welded headers. 16ga steel. Mainly caused by my slack welding skills I'd imagine. I do my best to get the metal clean before laying a bead down. I've done some reading and I know I can solder them. However, all the info I have found is in regards to body work. I'm a little worried about the heat and any pressure in the tubes through their life and how that would affect solder.

Thanks

Che70velle · #4 03-14-2015, 03:22 PM

Trey, what wire are you using in your welder? Post up a pic of said pinholes.

**WSSix** · #5 03-14-2015, 05:21 PM

0.030 solid wire using C25 gas. I've thought about going smaller because I'm creating bigger welds than I'd like. I've always had trouble laying down flatter beads or burning the welds in on thinner material. Best results have been from just stacking up spot welds. If that's what I have to do, fine. I just would like to develop other methods, too.

Here are some pictures.

I also found a hair line leak. I've been using brake cleaner to find any leaks. I just bought some denatured alcohol to fill each tube up with as a method to check for leaks. I wish I had compressed air but oh well. I figure if a thin liquid like denatured alcohol won't leak, neither will exhaust.

Thanks

TheJDMan · #6 03-14-2015, 07:51 PM

Normal lead solder will not work the melt point is too low. Do you have a torch like an Oxy-Acetylene maybe a Map torch? If so you could silver solder or braze the holes. But over all best fix would be to find someone who can Tig weld the holes for you.

**WSSix** · #7 03-15-2015, 06:04 AM

thanks Steve. My burner nozzle will fit on a small MAP gas bottle. At least I'm fairly certain it would anyway.

dhutton · #8 03-15-2015, 06:23 AM

I recall reading that it is bad to weld on parts that have been cleaned with brake cleaner. A poisonous gas is produced. Please check on this before you proceed.

Don

Edit: here it is. https://lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=21877

**Ketzer** · #9 03-15-2015, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WSSix

Best results have been from just stacking up spot welds. If that's what I have to do, fine. I just would like to develop other methods, too.

I tack stack a lot on thinner stuff. Seems to keep my heat down but still gives a good solid weld. Is that bad?

Jeff-

**WSSix** · #10 03-15-2015, 08:49 AM

Thanks, Don. That's part of the reason I always use non-chlorinated brake cleaner regardless of what I'm doing. No sense in being exposed to chemicals if you don't need to be.

Jeff, I can't imagine it's "bad" as that's an acceptable way to weld. There's more than one way to weld in general, and I'd like to be able to utilize those techniques as well, if possible.

Alright, done with my Sunday morning ride on the scooter so I'm off to try some more welding.

Thanks