|
Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2011 10:28:24 GMT
my foundation ring has started leaking,is this an easy fix, and if so how do you go about it,many thanks.
|
|
|
Post by baggo on Sept 6, 2011 14:55:27 GMT
A leaking foundation ring is not a good sign. As this joint requires a lot of heat, it's possible that the silver solder has not penetrated the joint and what solder there is on the outside is cracking. That's what happened to the Black Five boiler mentioned in another thread.
If it's only a tiny pin hole, then it's probably repairable. I'd strip the boiler down and seal the leak with Comsol (high melting point soft solder), then give it a full hydraulic test to check the integrity of the foundation ring joints. You may be lucky and the leak may have just been a flux inclusion in the joint that has eventually dissolved away.
John
|
|
steam4ian
Elder Statesman
One good turn deserves another
Posts: 2,069
|
Post by steam4ian on Sept 7, 2011 10:18:08 GMT
G'day Drifter
Or is it dripper?
Try pepper or ground ginger. Ouch!
Loctite (I think it is 294) will penetrate any pin holes.
Regards Ian
|
|
pondok
Part of the e-furniture
My 5" gauge SAR class 15F
Posts: 359
|
Post by pondok on Sept 7, 2011 15:19:53 GMT
hey drifter, many have used the automotive radiator treatment with great success - a popular UK brand is "Radweld". It tends to work better when the hole - and flow- is large enough to draw the particles into the hole. As Baggo so rightly states, if it's a capillary leak, it'll be no problem but if the silver solder is cracking then there is no quick fix. For capillary holes too small to draw Radweld particles into, and especially when you want to avoid a boiler-off job - you can usually use Sodium Silicate liquid (water glass). I'm sure you can get it off ebay. Take off all boiler fittings, fill the boiler with it - or as much as you can - then top up with water. Do a hydraulic to around working pressure and leave it a few hours under pressure - the sodium silicate should get forced into all capillary holes - it will sink in water btw, so keep boiler upright. Repeat the hydraulics if necessary until it's blocked. Wash the boiler out thoroughly as any remainder risks blocking fittings permanently.
It has the advantage of being completely water and heat-resistant.
|
|
steam4ian
Elder Statesman
One good turn deserves another
Posts: 2,069
|
Post by steam4ian on Sept 7, 2011 22:29:44 GMT
Question.
If the silver solder is giving way on the foundation ring would rivetting the ring be an acceptable fix?
My brother used high tensile bolts at the foundation ring to fasten a new inner firebox into a paddle steamer boiler. The boiler was a loco type about the size of that for medium size (British) 0-6-0 tank loco. The State boiler inspectorate passed it.
Extrapolated from that full size approach would be bolting in the foundation ring.
Regards Ian
|
|
|
Post by baggo on Sept 7, 2011 23:06:25 GMT
Ian, that's what our boiler tester did with the B5 when it first went. It held for a while, then unfortunately other joints began to give way. Same story, no penetration of the solder through the joints.
John
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2011 16:34:33 GMT
yet again this site is a fountain of information,thank you all for your advice.
|
|