can it be done ?

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I'm new to this . I'm making a set of headers for a car , 16 gauge steel , I've mig welded everything but when air testing after I have some tiny pin hole leaks . What could be the cause ? Could I use brazing rod over the welds to fill the pin holes using a torch ? I would like to avoid adding more mig wire and repeatedly grind . HELP PLEASE
Reply:Originally Posted by doug cI'm new to this . I'm making a set of headers for a car , 16 gauge steel , I've mig welded everything but when air testing after I have some tiny pin hole leaks . What could be the cause ? Could I use brazing rod over the welds to fill the pin holes using a torch ? I would like to avoid adding more mig wire and repeatedly grind . HELP PLEASE
Reply:Do you have access to a TIG machine? Would be the way to go for what you are doing.
Reply:Since you have a torch,  O/A the pinholes shut with mig wire. You'll have complete control, the repaired spots will be dang near invisible, and no more grinding. A #3 in my Harris is just right for 16 ga.Once you add brass, welding is pretty much out the window.9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:Craig has a great point; you could just puddle the weld bead at the pinholes, and problem solved right there!!And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:for pinholes  you should be able to get enough puddle for an autogenous repair..
Reply:Never braze headers.  Brass starts to break down around 600 degrees F. and could fail.  I have used O/A  very successfully over the years to do exhaust system repairs.  I also prefer to use Coat Hangers when welding exhaust stuff.  They are softer than copper coated wire, flow better, and lessen the chance of burn through.BTW, last night I dreamed I was a muffler.  I woke up exhausted!
Reply:I built a complete exhaust system for a 46 willys with a ford 200 six in it.  I cut exhaust pipe on angles and brazed them together.  I can't tell you how many times I had to repair it.   I would never braze one again.David Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:pawelder, coathangers is what i learned to o/a mufflers and exhaust pipes together when very young. also found that the steel wire that was used for hanging drop ceilings worked even better since it did not have a coating on it like a coat hanger.G3miller... 225g, s32p, 250x, 304, 12vs, MSW41     victor o/a thermal dynamics cutmaster 50 lenco panel spotter        hobart hf-boxG3 Farms.....raising cattle, hay, kids and hell, ...oh yeah I'm a fire sprinkler contractor by trade.
Reply:Tie wire (bailing wire ) is good for gas welding (O-A ) , but coat hangers have way TOO much carbon in them.[SIZE="5"Yardbird"
Reply:the old fella that was training me to take over his work told me he use to get wire coat hangers dip them in mud and stick weld with them ?? i still think hes B.S me .anyone ever tried it ? is it possible?
Reply:Originally Posted by Roy HodgesTie wire (bailing wire ) is good for gas welding (O-A ) , but coat hangers have way TOO much carbon in them.