Office of Steam Forum for Model & Toy Steam Gas & Hot Air Engines

I purchased a Weeden 44 in a bit of rough shape.

The unexpected problem is a leak in the endcap joint.
I tried soldering the problem area to seal it and
the results were not good.  I tried again after
cleaning everything up to no avail.  I used a small
butane torch for this.  Maybe it is not powerful enough.

I should mention I learned my arms/hands are a bit shaky
for this, so I figured out a way to brace my forearms
so only my hands have to move.  Better, but no cigar.

So, I whipped out the propane torch and worked the cap
off.  It was a bit warped before I worked on it and I'm
sure a previous owner cooked it.

Now, I need to solder the whole endcap.  Advice is needed
and a link to a good you tube video showing a similar endcap
being soldered on the right way would be very helpful.

Finally, if there is a member living in Brooklyn who is
experienced at this, PLEASE HELP.  Speak up!

Here's Hoping...
Wayne

Hi Wayne,

Soldering the end cap is fairly strait forward if you follow some basic soldering rules.

First you need to thoroughly clean and sandpaper the surfaces to be soldered.
It is very important to use a good soldering flux, and add it to the surfaces before mouting the end cap into place.
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The size of the burner is impotant too, but for a small boiler a dremel size burner will do the job.
You will need to be able to apply enough heat to keep the tin flowing.


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You need to pre heat the surfaces well before adding the soldering tin.
Once the end cap and the boiler reach the right temperature the tin will flow easily into the gap between the cap and the boiler, do not add too much tin at the same spot but let it flow away and keep on heating evenly.
Keep in mind not to overheat, keep it at the temperature where the tin starts flowing.


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After you have fully filled the gap with tin leave the boiler cool down slowly and cleanup the solder surface.

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I suggest you play around with some old brass or copper part, just to get the feeling.


good luck,

Maurice