Tank Re-Soldering Question

[Blackout]

In order to get my boat back on the water quicker, I may try re-soldering a popped seam on a SS fuel tank. I would also like to practice doing this in case it happens at a race. So,are there any safety concerns with soldering a tank that may have nitro fuel residue still in the tank? Any other input is welcome.

Thanks.

 

[Tom Foley]

Clean the tank with some thinner , allow to dry on a warm windowsill , dashboard etc . Clamp some board etc to your bench to trap the tank and keep it from moving around . Have a nice hot clean iron , flux and good quality solder . Work quickly to avoid overheating the seam .

I had a buddy work on a tank with fuel residue in it and it exploded and destroyed the tank , no one was hurt . make sure the tank is dry .

 

[Olly]

Craig I found that Stay-Brite Silver Solder works well on SS tanks.I have repaired my tanks with this solder.

Olly

 

[Terry Keeley]

I flush it with water first then use Stay-Brite with their flux and a 40W iron, NAPA also sells a small silver solder kit that works well. Work quick and don't over-heat the joint.

When done I flush with baking soda and water to neutralize the flux, then finally with alcohol to get rid of the water, any solvent would prolly do tho...

 

[Walt Barney]

Craig,

Call me this afternoon and I will tell you how I fix the tanks that the seam breaks, 1 st thing is to find out why it broke.

Walt Barney

Tanks 2 U

256-779-6472

 

[Blackout]

Hi Walt,

I'm pretty sure it was my fault. I ignored your instruction sheet and stored the tank with both fittings plugged. I do this with all my Sullivan tanks and will need to break this habit for the SS tanks.

 

[Blackout]

I'm thinking pressure build up popped the solder. About a 1/2" length. My fault.

 

[Walt Barney]

Craig

It does not matter how it happened, call me and I will tell you how to repair, The ideas above are good but there is a better way.

Walt Barney

 

[Terry Keeley]

Craig

It does not matter how it happened, call me and I will tell you how to repair, The ideas above are good but there is a better way.

Walt Barney

Please share!

 

[Blackout]

I think I fixed the leak. It was pretty easy, just doesn't look as pretty as Walt's work. Thanks.