Welding of running board heat exchangers

[longshot]

Has anyone out there successfully welded any of these? I took mine to a welder, but it still oozed antifreeze after he welded it. Maybe it's better to have peace of mind and get a new one. At least I won't be wondering if and when it will leak as well as where, like 25 miles into the Allegash. I think a new one runs about $180. This is for 03 rx1. Suggestions, advice?

 

[YammiMoose]

Yes, they can be welded. Two things might have happened while welding yours. 1st there might have been some antifreeze in the system while welding. If so it will heat up and make more holes. 2nd did the welder do a leak test after welding? On my 97 Sx I had it welded after a branch hit it. It failed the first leak test and he re-welded and it still is holding today.



-J

89 Scoot
97 Sx
00 Srx
02 Viper
05 Rx
06 Gt

 

[Sled Dog]

Any half decent welding shop that does aluminum should be able to weld it. The press test should have been done also before you paid and left the shop.

 

[nhrxrider]

It wouldn't be my first choice, but I had a small leak on one of mine and I was able to fix it with JB Weld. That was 1000 miles ago with no problems. I would try that before shelling out $180.

I cleaned the area very well with water and a wire brush before putting on the JB weld. Then I made sure I let it dry throughly before refilling it. I probably would have bought a used exchanger, but I only had 2 days before a ride I was scheduled to go on. I tried it as a temporary repair, then figured if it wasn't leaking, why replace it?

Jim

 

[TonyVT]

WELD

Had my front one welded by a good guy, no problem. Had a good 1.5 inch stud cut in it. No problems yet...

 

[Bob Miller]

If it is welded by a GOOD welder, there should not be a problem! Key word is PREPARATION when welding Aluminum! Dry and clean. And if its a crack or a gouge it is a good idea to drill a hole on each side of the crack or gouge.
Best method is HeliArc (TIG) 8)

 

[jmp2204]

If it is welded by a GOOD welder, there should not be a problem! Key word is PREPARATION when welding Aluminum! Dry and clean. And if its a crack or a gouge it is a good idea to drill a hole on each side of the crack or gouge.
Best method is HeliArc (TIG) 8)

I agree 100%,the welder likey got porosity due to contamination.it must be clean and dry on the inside too.i would weld mine if needed and ride it confidently.The j.b. weld, i used it on a small piece of cast aluminum in 1987 and it`s still going.(float pin post phazer carb)however i would not use it in this case