Radiator welding

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Ok guys I got one for you. I have been doing a couple custom radiators for some motor swaps. When using all new parts they weld awesome. On the other hand if anything as had coolant in it it weld ok until the very end and it develops a pin hole that will not close. I clean all the parts with Scotch Brite and wipe them down with acetone before welding, but that last little bit won't close up. The only way I have been able to finish the jobs is to drill out the pin hole with a 1/16" bit and weld it then. Am I missing anything or is this my best method?"If you live in Sacramento you have seen my work."
Reply:what welding process are you using?  pertinent information maybe? 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:It's called "OUT GASSING"  caused by pressure build up from oil or some other combustible.....Clean it out betterand vent it......Race car and bike frames are bad about this and that's why you see 1/8" vent holes in roll cagesYou can vent the tank and come back after it cools and weld up the vent hole.I would think just leaving the cap off would be enough, probably not clean inside.....Last edited by B_C; 04-28-2013 at 11:22 PM.  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:Originally Posted by B_CIt's called "OUT GASSING"  caused by pressure build up from oil or some other combustible.....Clean it out betterand vent it......Race car and bike frames are bad about this and that's why you see 1/8" vent holes in roll cagesYou can vent the tank and come back after it cools and weld up the vent hole.I would think just leaving the cap off would be enough, probably not clean inside.....
Reply:A friend of mine used to have a radiator repair shop and he used an acid of some kind to clean the places he was ready to solder up first. He even wore a special respirator when doing the cleaning. I do not know what the acid was but I am guessing with some Web searching you will find out. I did a small search and came up with Castrol Super Clean that they use today to clean brass & copper radiators before soldering them up. Clean it down 1" to bare metal all around the soldering area before soldering it up.Last edited by Inkydoggy; 04-29-2013 at 05:54 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterWhy would a radiator without the cap or the hoses on it need a vent hole??...zap!
Reply:Originally Posted by B_CIt's called "OUT GASSING" caused by pressure build up from oil or some other combustible.....
Reply:Originally Posted by B_Cas usual you didnt read  my whole reply......it said it was probably not clean
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterOh I read the whole reply but @ 5 AM the brain was not functioning in sync with the engagement of the typing fingers...My mistake.Carry on....zap!
Reply:Originally Posted by smilexelectric  Sounds like someone needed their coffee.
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterI had just got it and it was WAY too hot to drink.....zap!
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterOh I read the whole reply but @ 5 AM the brain was not functioning in sync with the engagement of the typing fingers...My mistake.Carry on....zap!
Reply:Originally Posted by InkydoggyA friend of mine used to have a radiator repair shop and he used an acid of some kind to clean the places he was ready to solder up first. He even wore a special respirator when doing the cleaning. I do not know what the acid was but I am guessing with some Web searching you will find out. I did a small search and came up with Castrol Super Clean that they use today to clean brass & copper radiators before soldering them up. Clean it down 1" to bare metal all around the soldering area before soldering it up.
Reply:On alum tanks if we run into this we take a center punch and hit the pin hole and close it , then finish the weld off.  Might be worth giving it a try .
Reply:Or wait till it cools.....  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:soldered  up a radiator last week it was wirewheel clean flux heat wirewheel clean add more flux wirewheel clean till all the crap was gone then flux it up and lay in the solder and  call it a dayLast edited by WeldorWes; 04-30-2013 at 08:28 PM.Miller Xmt 350Lincoln Ln-25Ahp 200xSmith Gas Mixer AR/HTig is my Kung FuThrowing down dimes and weaving aboutInstagram http://instagram.com/[email protected]
Reply:Originally Posted by WookieWeldingsoldered  up a radiator last week it was wirewheel clean flux heat wirewheel clean add more flux wirewheel clean till all the crap was gone then flux it up and lay in the solder and  call it a day
Reply:Originally Posted by B_CAluminum Tig..........
Reply:Yeah I noticed that also but the largest majority of Custom radiators are Aluminum not saying that ALL custom radiators are but the issue he described was typical of an aluminum radiator that is out gassing ......  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:Sorry guys. It is a brand new Griffin aluminum radiator. Tig process, Miller Dynasty. I believe I was running about 80 amps with 3/32" Lanthanated Tungsten, AC set at 70. The caps and hoses were off. Mostly it welded perfect, until the last  little hole opened up and just would not fill. It was tiny, only single drops would come out under pressure. I drilled it with a 1/16" and welded it up one shot."If you live in Sacramento you have seen my work."