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Farkles, Gear & Accessories => What have you done in the shed today => Topic started by: Brock on September 05, 2020, 10:59:22 PM

Title: What a dipstick (pipe that is)
Post by: Brock on September 05, 2020, 10:59:22 PM
Went to check the oil in the BT50 yesterday, and came across a slight problem. The dipstick pipe securing bracket had broken allowing the pipe to wave around however it felt it needed to do.

(https://www.imghostr.net/images/2020/09/05/e22886cbee1d38f1f5721bcca4ca56b8.jpg)

To remove the pipe was a bit of fun, as it had to be twisted turned and pulled to get it out of the engine and around the turbo and exhaust manifold. Oh, and remove the tab from the engine block and get it onto the work bench.

(https://www.imghostr.net/images/2020/09/05/78e52f6bd9bf27d6c434ff8c4f2bdd41.jpg)
Title: Re: What a dipstick (pipe that is)
Post by: Brock on September 05, 2020, 11:04:14 PM
It was a pleasant morning, cool not raining and quiet. Perfect for getting out the grinders, wire wheels and the MIG. (Still need to practice with the TIG, so left it in the shed )

A bit of electric glue applied, guess the settings were a bit high but it stuck ok.

(https://www.imghostr.net/images/2020/09/05/fe5c879776b1d7ce3ab818c95fb4c8de.jpg)

Other side glued up as well.

(https://www.imghostr.net/images/2020/09/05/cb0e7b3703ae9bc95222a3d9dddee268.jpg)
Title: Re: What a dipstick (pipe that is)
Post by: Brock on September 05, 2020, 11:10:49 PM
Made a bit of noise to remove the excess glue.

(https://www.imghostr.net/images/2020/09/05/7ba0db0ad0ba2859a4ab4ceb7604d466.jpg)

(https://www.imghostr.net/images/2020/09/05/7ca3f3c19f40f71bf37c9c999ef974c0.jpg)

Then a bit of primer

(https://www.imghostr.net/images/2020/09/05/87d9134922be3238880919d41ad2e68e.jpg)

(https://www.imghostr.net/images/2020/09/05/2282af2cbcc58e99f5674128988fd384.jpg)

and black engine enamel camouflage

(https://www.imghostr.net/images/2020/09/05/829376c7e2757baa714742315e579436.jpg)

(https://www.imghostr.net/images/2020/09/05/002cda5012aa6d2f2a9cd5c625474108.jpg)
Title: Re: What a dipstick (pipe that is)
Post by: Brock on September 05, 2020, 11:19:08 PM
After a little time to let the paint dry, the pipe was fitted to the engine and covers put on. Couldnt tell it had ever broken.

(https://www.imghostr.net/images/2020/09/05/afa868e9a67c0cbbfc282f4ce011f5e2.jpg)

It was well worth doing the fix, as a new pipe from Ebay was 121 beer tickets, and from Mazda /Ford probably closer to 200.

Total time for the fix was about 1.5 hours, including the time to get the pipe back in. Its fun sticking a pipe into a hidden hole down inside the engine bay where you you cant see it and getting it back past the exhaust and turbo. A bit of Vaseline certainly made it easier to slide back in. Its also nice to have expensive tools handy to do repairs.

That reminds me, I'm going to have to go to Total Tools to gett a new tank of CO2 welding gas soon.
Title: Re: What a dipstick (pipe that is)
Post by: StinkyPete on September 06, 2020, 07:43:29 AM
That reminds me, I'm going to have to go to Total Tools to gett a new tank of CO2 welding gas soon.

Nice work....    I also find that a grider and thick paint can vastly improve a less than perfect weld.    How does CO2 go with MIG?  I knew it could be used on mild steel, but have only used Argoshield.   My "D Plan" with CIG is only about around $100 per year and gives me one free bottle exchange per year, wich pretty well covers all my needs, so I dont' really need change to CO2 for the cost saving.
Title: Re: What a dipstick (pipe that is)
Post by: ruSTynutz on September 06, 2020, 10:49:01 AM
Nice work....    I also find that a grider and thick paint can vastly improve a less than perfect weld.   

I've been known to use a "filler" to tidy up my poor excuse for welds...  :whistle :rofl
Title: Re: What a dipstick (pipe that is)
Post by: Brock on September 06, 2020, 11:58:21 AM
CO2 seems better for MIG, but can get a little smoky. Argon wasnt as good but is great for TIG. I own my bottles, and only pay for the refill as I need it. I have had the bottles for a few years, so the economy is there for me.

I made sure that plenty of metal was deposited, cos after about 10 min it soaks into the base metal a bit.. Then just wipe the excess off with a very coarse flappy disc 

 ;-* ;-*
Title: Re: What a dipstick (pipe that is)
Post by: STeveo on September 06, 2020, 05:01:29 PM
The amps look ok, just slow down the wire speed. I would have put a reinforcement piece behind as it will crack again at the weld edge. I own all four of my bottles (2 x D, 2 x E) and they worked out at two years rental to own and no more payments after that (just pay for refills).
Title: Re: What a dipstick (pipe that is)
Post by: Brock on September 06, 2020, 05:12:25 PM
If it breaks again, I will replace the engine tab with a custom tab made from 13mm strap, that will be bent at 90 degrees and weld that to the rest of the bracket.
It shouldnt break again, as there is more metal on both sides.