David Leonard wrote:

The overflow nipple (plastic) on my jeep broke a few years back and
instead of buying a whole new radiator I decided to fix it with JB Weld
and some alum tube.  It worked great for about a year until I decided to
go on vacation.  Driving through the desert in 108 deg heat the stuff
practically melted off (cracked and lost its seal and most of its
strength).  Soon I was out of water and overheating.  Spent 36 hrs of my
vacation stuck in a place called 'weed' or something like that.  I now
have a new radiator.

At that point I decided that I would not be using JB weld for anything
that would see temps higher than about 100 deg, nothing critical, and
nothing where if the stuff came off it could clog up something else.  It
looks great when it sets up, but just doesn't stand the test of
time/heat.

As I am about to complete the engine instillation I realize that there
is no substitute for a good TIG welder and someone who really knows how
to use it.  Don't look in the phone book for a welder, look in your EAA
chapter.  My welder, Rob North, is an airplane buff who does great work.
He also loves to weld but not cut and fit etc.  I get everything set and
all he needs to do is fire up the TIG.  He undercharges me so much it is
criminal.

I used to do anything to find another way besides welding to do a
project.  Now, if welding is the best way - no problem.  Get it cut and
fitted, set it aside for my next trip to see Rob.

My uncle, an accomplished doctor, kayaker, and mountaineer used to tell
me, "All you really need in life is a good personal doctor, a lawyer,
and a welder - the rest will follow."

Stop using that JB weld on your airplane.

David Leonard
The Rotary Roster:
http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/rotaryroster/index.html

Probably good advice. I've never actually used it yet for anything.
Has there been any known failures from the intake port flow mods that Bruce
and Tracy advocate on the six port secondarys? Or plugging small vacume
holes on intake manifolds?
I would guess that port sees pretty close to 200 deg. while running.

Ron Freier

I use JB weld here and there on little things, but it's nothing special
that I can tell. Some form of epoxy or polyester bondo-type material
with iron dust in it. Probably the latter, it is definitely not
fuel-resistant like most epoxies as I found out the hard way.

--
Perry Mick
Custom Composite Props
mick@bridgingworlds.com
http://www.ductedfan.com

 
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