midman Posted November 9, 2015 Share Posted November 9, 2015 Figured I'd tap all the knowledge on the forum once again. I did a search but didn't find anything.I am working on reassembling my 31 90 series and am detailing the engine. After removing and cleaning the water tube on top of the head I found a few pinholes that had not shown themselves before. Has anyone tried a procedure like the gas tank sealers on these before? I'm not sure how the temperature and water flow would affect the sealer. No pressure to speak of so no problems there. The tube does not seem overly thinned out so I might try welding as well. Any suggestions are appreciated.Chuck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leif Holmberg Posted November 9, 2015 Share Posted November 9, 2015 I can`t belive that the tank sealing product can help you to fix those hole.You can use a 50% silver lod to weld the tube,needs about 400-600 degrees and of course a gas-weld.Leif in Sweden. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Wiegand Posted November 9, 2015 Share Posted November 9, 2015 Midman, that word 'weld' on that thin of wall tubing scares the begeezus out of me. You might try taking it to your local radiator shop and ask if they can 'solder' your pin holes for you. I have three of these old Buicks with the same type of water return tube on top of the block. I literally cut the center section out of two them and turned a solid piece of brass to the correct taper after the piece was gun drilled. I then had an old time pipeline welder silver solder the joints and a couple of pin holes for me. I then used a belt sander to finess the joints ready for plating. A lot of work, but, the result was beautiful. Just remember, the word is solder and not weld. You want to keep the heat as absolutely low as possible or you will have a mess on your hands. Been there and done that and know what works. After the plating was done I got a quart of Red Kote Fuel Tank Sealer from Restoration Supply and coated the inside of the tube and let it dry for about 10 days before putting it into service. Works beautifully. Anti-Freeze and cooling system temperatures will not affect the coating in any way. If you have questions please feel free to call me. Terry WiegandSouth Hutchinson, KansasPhone/Fax - (620) 665-7672 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Bourque Posted November 9, 2015 Share Posted November 9, 2015 I made a new one out of stainless steel. It could be polished to look close to plating and probably last longer.Before I made this I brazed my old one a number of times... Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Wiegand Posted November 10, 2015 Share Posted November 10, 2015 Jim, that is the way to go if you decided to make a new tube. You are right, the stainless will polish up very nicely. It sounded to me like he wanted to keep and use the original tube. In going that route one is limited to what you can do and what will work well. Terry WiegandSouth Hutchinson, Kansas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pacrat Posted November 10, 2015 Share Posted November 10, 2015 if it is just pinholes i use devcon fast metal,hyvac repair,wire wheel it put on a light coat sand it reapply,then seal the inside with a good metal paint. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midman Posted November 10, 2015 Author Share Posted November 10, 2015 I knew I could count on you guys! Lots of good ideas. I guess I'll leave the welder holstered for this one. I believe I'll try pacrat's Devcon idea. There are only 4 small pinholes and the rest of the tube seems to be solid. For a backup I'll get all the dimensions in case I need to fabricate one down the road. Thanks. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LAS VEGAS DAVE Posted November 10, 2015 Share Posted November 10, 2015 J B WELD has never let me down but it will show. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leif Holmberg Posted November 10, 2015 Share Posted November 10, 2015 Yes I agree I used the wrong name weld on it ,it was ment to SOLDER with silver lod.Leif in Sweden. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pacrat Posted November 11, 2015 Share Posted November 11, 2015 this product is like jb weld on steroids ,has not let me down ,can save lots of old parts,if you spread and sand the repair you should not see it.it grinds and sands like steel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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