Cleaning Aluminum Tank Before Welding

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • Portable Welder
    Senior Member
    • Aug 2004
    • 1979

    #16
    Sorry to far away for me too.

    Comment

    • shovelon
      Senior Member
      • Aug 2010
      • 1238

      #17
      Did any diesel fuel leak into the hull area? Diesel fuel contaminates the **** out of the weld. Although I think the possiblility of combustion is low, I still would be concerned.

      I am not a boat guy but what you describe is a tough one. Do you have any insurance coverage to help expenses? Pictures would certainly help to describe your damage. Can you see the crack? I think if I was to entertain this repair, I would suggest cleaning the gap between the hull and tank, bevel out the crack, seal the area between the hull and tank, purge the area between hull and tank with argon.

      Filling the tank with Argon would be better as Co2 and alum welding is bad. Suppied air respitory gear like a full suit is only way I would send someone in there. 5356 wire and argon cover would be my preference.

      What is the hull material? Any chance of doing the repair from the hull side?
      Nothing welded, Nothing gained

      Miller Dynasty700DX
      3 ea. Miller Dynasty350DX
      Miller Dynasty200DX
      ThermalArc 400 GTSW
      MillerMatic350P
      MillerMatic200 with spoolgun
      MKCobraMig260
      Lincoln SP-170T
      Linde UCC305 (sold 2011)
      Hypertherm 1250
      Hypertherm 800
      PlasmaCam CNC cutter
      Fadal Toolroom CNC Mill
      SiberHegner CNC Mill
      2 ea. Bridgeport
      LeBlond 15" Lathe
      Haberle 18" Cold Saw
      Doringer 14" Cold Saw
      6 foot x 12 foot Mojave granite

      Comment

      • dsharp
        Junior Member
        • Sep 2006
        • 2

        #18
        http://www.fredwahlmarine.com/index.htmlI would give this man a call. I'm not sure if he builds in aluminum but I would bet he can hook you up with somebody that can help you. The hardest part is going to be getting it clean enough to weld.

        Comment

        • FusionKing
          Senior Member
          • Nov 2006
          • 4293

          #19
          The hull IS the tank. IOW if you drilled thru the bottom of the boat you would have fuel running out. The bulkheads create the tank sides. Great idea until it fails.
          Whoever set the boat is liable if they can pay.... hopefully with their liability coverage.

          I say clean it, ventilate it and then tig it. Just my opinion.

          www.facebook.com/outbackaluminumwelding
          Miller Dynasty 700...OH YEA BABY!!
          MM 350P...PULSE SPRAYIN' MONSTER
          Miller Dynasty 280 with AC independent expansion card
          Miller Dynasty 200 DX "Blue Lightning"

          Miller Bobcat 225 NT (what I began my present Biz with!)
          Miller 30-A Spoolgun
          Miller WC-115-A
          Miller Spectrum 300
          Miller 225 Thunderbolt (my first machine bought new 1980)
          Miller Digital Elite Titanium 9400

          Comment

          • hotsparks
            Junior Member
            • Jun 2009
            • 10

            #20
            Have you looked into having a fuel compatible bladder installed in the existing tank?

            Comment

            Working...
            X