Lead solder on steel tank - help please

[Stelios_Rjk]

Hi guys,

I received an abused steel tank. The fuel tap spins without coming out but that's another story.. but if you have an idea about the way to repair it don't hesitate!

There is also a stuff like lead to repair some holes I suppose. I cut off some of the solder, heat it and it melts easily with little heat, so I assume it's a lead based solder.
As it needs repairs could anyone please advice about the flux or even the combination flux/solder if you think that's another type of solder?


Thanks a lot.

[phil]

Zinc chloride based flux, liquid. Can be made by dissolving zinc in dilute hydrochloric acid. Keeping adding zinc until no more will dissolve, be aware that this generates hydrogen gas which can be explosive.

A suitable liquid flux for soldering to steel including stainless steel should be available at welding supply stores. At least it is over here.

Heat steel to melting temperature of the solder. Dip non-fluxed soldering wire into the flux and apply to well cleaned work, if there is enough solder on the work piece, use a brush or something else to transfer flux when you need it.

It does not go as quickly as soldering on brass or copper, but stay at it and you will have success.

[Stelios_Rjk]

OK Phil thanks, I will find a way to keep hydrogen concentrated and will use a lighter or will give it a spark from a coil

I get a zinc chloride flux the previous time you gave me your advice about soldering brass so I will use it again now. I have also pure zinc from a foundry but I believe the of the self product will work.



Thanks again
S

[phil]

I meant to say that it is a suitable flux for soldering on steel or stainless steel. Perhaps I did not make that clear, when I suggested that a welding supply might be an alternate source.

When I was in school I used to put the acid in a coke bottle add zinc and put a pre stretched balloon over the bottle neck to fill it with hydrogen then tie it off so it would float.

[Stelios_Rjk]

In any case I tried on that tank and I found that soldering on steel can be a more precise procedure. On brass the solder when heat build up it can go everywhere, on steel the solder joins on and you can drive it with a rod or something similar. Quite interesting findings!