help – cleaning for soldering

[nigel jones 5Participant @nigeljones5]

got a problem – expanded copper tubes into firebox but they leak – not suprised as the reaming was horrid! I want to caulk them in but the steel is no where near clean enough to take comsol. I cant get in with even a small wire brush so is there a chemical solution (no pun intended!!)

[nigel jones 5Participant @nigeljones5]

[WALLACEParticipant @wallace]

Can you not ‘get in there’ with a sandblaster ? It works well on stainless steel I’ve had to silver solder in the past.

W.

[CuP AlloysParticipant @cupalloys]

Suggest you don't use sand blasting, sandpaper, emery cloth or similar. They are prone to leaving grit or glue residue behind which fluxes will not remove. Result – pinholes in the joint so the "repair" still leaks!

Most weak acids will remove scale eg citric, acetic (vinegar) or proprietary kettle cleaners.

keith

[modeng2000Participant @modeng2000]

Hi Keith,

Is the cupalloys website down today?

John

[CuP AlloysParticipant @cupalloys]

Hi John,

I think it is routine maintenace on the server. Experience tells me it will be running normally shortly.

My apologies for the inconvenience.

keith

[modeng2000Participant @modeng2000]

Thanks Keith, doesn't it always happen when something needs to be referred to!

John

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