Kinked coolant pipe -- what is correct geometry? (Page 3/3)
Will FEB 17, 03:13 PM
Working in aerospace I can say better is the enemy of good enough

Unless you're planning to jack the car up on the coolant pipes, they were already strong enough
oneinch FEB 17, 03:43 PM
I'm well aware of that saying. It's a good one and so true. In my case the results were worth the pursuit.

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Stanton
'88 Formula, red on gray

Dennis LaGrua FEB 17, 07:08 PM
Looks like an excellent job that will last but at a premium price for less than an hours worth of work. You paid the guy for what he knows and his skill, not for what he did. We have Hobart Handler 190 220V unit that we use to weld exhaust with Stargon CS gas and .030 mig wire but welding on thin stainless is an art in itself. My guess is that he Mig welded with Stargon SS gas ,a special mix of Argon,CO2 and Nitrogen. I would not make an attempt to weld this job as it needs to be perfect and leak free. My approach to this repair would have been braze welding. It works great on thin SS material. I have brazed a few broken EGR tubes with success. The bottom line is that you got the job done right.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

Larryinkc FEB 17, 10:14 PM
Nice looking repair. It's your car, you're happy with the result. That's really all that matters.
reinhart FEB 23, 06:05 AM

quote
Originally posted by oneinch:

Sounds like I'm being challenged. It's the nature of the internet. Between the two methods the way I had it done is stronger and superior. I'll take best over good every time I can.




Hi thanks for the reply earlier. I wasn't intending to challenge so much as understand the reasoning for both myself and those that encounter the same situation in the future. If someone does a search for coolant tube repair and thinks that this is the best way (which it might be) with others offering alternate ideas to flesh out a possible improvement going forward it would to me and likely others be that much more helpful.

I was thinking that the easier and more "factory" look would involve a single cut at the kink then using an exhaust pipe expander inserted into either end of the cut which should work well to create a near perfect round opening again that could be welded to as easily as the welds in your solution. And if my idea sucks I'd love to hear that as well (which you did and one other said it was a valid idea).

Again I'm happy you like your result. I was just trying to further discussion as to the pros and cons of your method vs others or the benefit of those that haven't done this yet but will in the future.
RandomTask FEB 23, 01:49 PM

quote
Originally posted by theogre:

Welding other tubes to this often fails. Weld "rod" and new tube isn't same metal and have problems because of that.

Cut at crimp.
Expand the tube.
"splice" w/ hose.
Many sure short end is tie to frame to support it and can't "blow off" because any tube w/o "hose lock bumps" easily blow off/out of hoses.
Use search.





The filler material is chosen off the material you're welding. I'm pretty sure these are SS units. It's easily weldable provided the correct filler material/guidelines are used.
ericjon262 FEB 26, 03:04 AM

quote
Originally posted by RandomTask:
The filler material is chosen off the material you're welding. I'm pretty sure these are SS units. It's easily weldable provided the correct filler material/guidelines are used.



This.

I welded mine up no prob with some 308 filler on my TIG.

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"I am not what you so glibly call to be a civilized man. I have broken with society for reasons which I alone am able to appreciate. I am therefore not subject to it's stupid laws, and I ask you to never allude to them in my presence again."

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