- Thread starter wrinx
- Start date
julieanncharters
Member
- Messages
- 210
4043 wire but is better welded with tig as usually a lot of crap in cast aluminum.
couple of tig torch passes with no wire will usually boil all scum to the surface to be cleaned off before actual welding stuff together.
depending on how big the repair might need clamping as distortion can be an issue post weld.
)
- Messages
- 13,542
- Location
- England
I find 4043 is a proper pain for MIG...TIG would be a better option, probably worth paying to get it done...
The 4043 is the best choice for casting usually, but is softer so its hard work getting it running smooth in a MIG, even with teflon liners etc.
As Julian has mentioned, getting oil out of the crack is easier with a TIG, run the torch along, then a quick lick with a grinder, and then weld it up.
With the MIG option, I suppose you could run a gas torch along it a few times, then clean up, then weld, starting a bit away from the crack to give it a chance to burn in.
The 4043 is the best choice for casting usually, but is softer so its hard work getting it running smooth in a MIG, even with teflon liners etc.
As Julian has mentioned, getting oil out of the crack is easier with a TIG, run the torch along, then a quick lick with a grinder, and then weld it up.
With the MIG option, I suppose you could run a gas torch along it a few times, then clean up, then weld, starting a bit away from the crack to give it a chance to burn in.
tom-madbiker
Member
- Messages
- 324
- Location
- Chesham, UK
i have been pondering the same thing i need to weld an alloy sump aparrently my mig will do it (rtec inv160) with just a teflon liner and since i have a spare torch ican leave one with the teflon an one with a steel one what are peoples thoughts on this
aametalmaster
Member
- Messages
- 763
- Location
- Salem Ohio USA
Whatever works for you. I did the same thing when i was in the big factory i had a spare gun set up for aluminum and it worked fine, sometimes as i still got birds nests even with 1/16" aluminum wire. I have a spoolgun for alum and love it...Bob
langy
langys rodshop
- Messages
- 6,095
- Location
- London
In my opinion this is a tig job, aluminium sumps are always a pain as the oil gets into the pores of the ally and as soon as its warmed out it comes to spoil your job, as others have said heat it first and clean off, you will still have to weld a bit then clean then weld a bit and clean and so on and so on.
Mig wouldn't be my choice.
Mig wouldn't be my choice.
