Unsoldering/Resoldering Help

[Ulfuranda]

Hi all,

I am thinking about a little unsoldering & resoldering of a fount that's got a bad seam. And I'd like to do it right ...

(Probably obvious) question -- but I have searched the Forum to no avail. I promise I did!

What kind of solder should I use? Different for steel founts or brass founts, or the same?

And I assume for unsoldering it's a matter of heat it until it falls apart?

Any tips welcome, with thanks.

Ulf.

[Whitegas Extraordinaire]

Hi all,

I am thinking about a little unsoldering & resoldering of a fount that's got a bad seam. And I'd like to do it right ...

(Probably obvious) question -- but I have searched the Forum to no avail. I promise I did!

What kind of solder should I use? Different for steel founts or brass founts, or the same?

And I assume for unsoldering it's a matter of heat it until it falls apart?

Any tips welcome, with thanks.

Ulf.

A image and knowing what your subject is would really help.

[Majicwrench]

Pictures of what you are doing always a huge help.
A lantern fount?

[Ulfuranda]

Thanks, I'll get some pix today.

U.

[Rfieldbuilds]

What two parts are you trying to separate?

[Ulfuranda]

i have a couple, actually, Randy. one is a pump tube i'd like to get out and the other is the bottom plate of a fount.

thanks!

Ulf.

[Rfieldbuilds]

i have a couple, actually, Randy. one is a pump tube i'd like to get out and the other is the bottom plate of a fount.

thanks!

Ulf.

I’ve taken out the bottom plate. Its not for the faint of heart.

Pump tube on a Coleman may be lead or copper braze. That may or may not be possible based on if it is copper or lead. Also a tough, but doable transplant.

[Gavercronos]

I typically use regular acid core plumbing solder. I also like to deaden it with inert gas (CO2) on the inside so it doesn't explode. That and/or use a giant soldering iron instead of direct flame. It should go without saying, do this at your on risk- The only things I do it on are either priceless (no replacement available) or worthless (practice) or both, and I always pressure test it to double what I'll ever use it at.

[oldfox66]

Here is a tip on dealing with gasoline fuel tanks ( this DOES NOT apply to heavy fuel oils like kero or diesel). I have welded on literally dozens of gas tanks- automotive, marine, motorcycle, and small engine and this is how I was taught and do them.

Drain the tank and allow to air dry, now is a good time to rinse and flush with fuel solvent cleaner (I use OilEater) and water. Remove all valves, fittings, caps, etc that may still be on the tank or fount. For the next step it MUST be completely dry inside.

Pass a lit torch over one of the openings- any remaining fumes will ignite and flash off but it won't explode- the tank is open to allow any buildup of pressure to relieve itself! There may be a slight initial 'POOF' but once it does the tank is clear.

Proceed to do your work.
I have done this on tanks from 1/2 gallon to 35 gallons and after a time or two you no longer sweat doing it. Again, you CANNOT use this method with heavy fuel oils, those I always pipe an inert gas into.

[Ulfuranda]

Hmm, I’m thinking this one is probably getting well out over my skis. I’m sure there’s someone Out There who does this sort of work professionally and knows what he’s doing … because I sure don’t!

Thanks boys for giving me a sense of what’s involved … I think I know enough to know I don’t know enough!

Ulf.

[Majicwrench]

You can make it as complicated as you want, but it doesn't have to be. Soldering is a good skill to learn, not that tough, but like anything takes some practice. Ulf, you seem like a smart cookie, you could do this if you so desired
A good rinse and air dry is fine for a font.

A bad seam? should be fairly simple to re-solder

[Ulfuranda]

Thanks for the encouragement, Keith! I can silver-solder reasonably well — learned that when I was working as an auto restorer — but hate to admit that I’ve never done any plumbing soldering. I’ll pull up my drawers and maybe try a practice piece or two!

Ulf.

[shaune509]

Ulf, As stated above practice can get you the skill. But if its just one repair that you want to have done right, look up an old school radiator repair shop. They are getting fewer but any large area should have one or two shops. Look for farm, truck and custom repair, wont be cheap but should be well done.
Shaune509

[hikerduane]

Gary at Blue Water Stove Restorations may help. Quality work, may or may not want to help. I've had him fix a few brass stoves. Dean is backed up a couple three weeks.
Duane

[Ulfuranda]

Thanks very much guys for the tips, and Duane for the lead at Blue Water. I don't mind waiting. In the meantime I may practice a bit on a throwaway.

Ulf.