Can I weld a Hydraulic Tank?

[k0ua]

For the benefit of others that may read this thread.. Never use brake cleaner if you are going to weld the cleaned parts.

Poisonous phosgene gas produced from heating chlorinated solvents

DANGER using BrakeCleaner to clean your Parts

 

[Scotty Dive]

Thanks for this info. I think I got lucky because i used the brake clean, wiped it off and there was quite a bit of time between using it, wire brushing the paint off, grinding out some of the weld and then using the torch to heat it up. I am grateful for this forum and the sharing of this info.

 

[firemanmike69]

Guess I dodged a bullet then. I checked and it did not have chlorine, but I would have never had thought to check first. I did do this outside and there was a breeze as usual.

Basically if it has "chlor" anything on the label don't use it if you are going to weld on it.

 

[PILOON]

If you were simply wanting to stop pin hole leakage and not do structural repairs (and leaking tank suggests simple leakage) why not simply use plumbers torch and simple solder? (after acid flux cleaning).
I have done this a few times, mainly on gas and fuel tanks.
Even a pipe flange will hold up well to this kind of repair.

 

[Scotty Dive]

If you were simply wanting to stop pin hole leakage and not do structural repairs (and leaking tank suggests simple leakage) why not simply use plumbers torch and simple solder? (after acid flux cleaning). I have done this a few times, mainly on gas and fuel tanks. Even a pipe flange will hold up well to this kind of repair.

The nipple needed to be repaired because the hydraulic filter hangs of it and sticks out about 6 inches or so. I like the solder idea but felt that if this wasn't structurally repaired it would have ripped out eventually. I am lucky i found the leak because it was dripping down and ran under the tank and on to the leaves. I move this splitter often and just didn't notice that over time I had dropped several gallons.

 

[Jesse masterson]

I did that once with brake cleaner and was coughing blood the next day! Phosgene gas! Don't do it!!!!!!

 

[jwmorris]

I wouldn't use "air" to fill the tank. An internal flow if inert gas would work though (back gassing)

My Grandfather used exhaust gas from a generator/welder directed into fuel tanks, until one blew up on him.

Water is a better idea, at least you have a smaller area to expand if you set it off.