[AT] soldering radiator

[Gene Waugh Elgin, Illinois USA]

 From a retired plumber, but NOT a radiator man...

I personally would go with the solder (Ken here seems to have the most 
specific knowledge so far) but I would most certainty stay away from the 
high temp processes such as silver solder.  If any existing joints are 
going to be a problem, the more temperature used the more problems you 
would create.  I really like the idea of submerging the whole radiator 
except what is being worked on (well, as much as possible, anyway); this 
would pretty much guarantee no new problems from previously soldered 
joints becoming "unsoldered"!

Gene
Gene Waugh
Elgin, Illinois USA

Ken Knierim wrote:
> Kevin,
>
> I've had good luck with a small propane torch and also a prestolite
> torch for soldering radiators. I would think the O/A rig would be
> awful hot for radiator work but don't have experience with it. The
> little brazing torches that fit directly on the little propane bottles
> are decent for this. (read: Home Depot/Lowes copper pipe repair kit
> torches)
>
> Solder? 60/40 is usually used for electronic work and will probably be
> a bit soft for radiators 40/60 is what I use (not 60/40; the sequence
> of the numbers is important. I believe it's tin/lead). I use the paste
> flux like you get for sweating copper pipe. Where it really requires
> cleaning I've tried muratic acid but this isn't for the meek and I
> only do it when there is a LOT of corrosion that needs to be
> cleaned... it usually means it's not going to work anyway. You're
> better with a wire brush and elbow grease and paste flux, in my
> experience. I agree with Chris and add that it's not a real good idea
> to mix the acid core with solder flux paste.
>
> I haven't used silver solder for this but don't see why it wouldn't
> work if the surfaces were clean. It melts at a little higher temp
> which might be  a problem if the rest of the radiator used tin/lead
> and you melt that while heating up the area you're working on. This
> may not be a problem with your project but it's something to keep in
> mind.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> Ken in AZ
>
>
> On 10/28/07, Chris Britton <c.britton at worldnet.att.net> wrote:
>   
>> I don't like acid core solder for those applications.. I'd use silver solder
>> or the 60-40.. paste flux is good..
>>
>> I like a propane torch over O/A for soldering..
>>
>> just my opinions..
>>
>> soundguy
>>
>>
>>     
>>> From: <oldiron62 at gmail.com>
>>> Hey now thats what I was looking for, Thanks J ! Any special solder to use
>>> ?
>>> I have 60-40 acid core and silver solder and plain solid 60-40, 50-50.
>>> Plenty of rosin paste flux and brazing flux, also would it be better done
>>> with a little propane torch ?
>>> Or use the big torch on real low flame ? Reason I ask is propane is what I
>>> cut / braze / coathanger weld with.
>>> Thanks again im going to do it tomarrow and I will get with ya on results.
>>> Kevin Mosier
>>>       
>> _______________________________________________
>> AT mailing list
>> http://www.antique-tractor.com/mailman/listinfo/at
>>
>>     
> _______________________________________________
> AT mailing list
> http://www.antique-tractor.com/mailman/listinfo/at
>
>
>