The Ford Barn

Brian · 06-02-2021, 04:32 PM

From 37 on they are zinc, the early ones are aluminum

JWL · 06-02-2021, 04:32 PM

I will not say it CANNOT be welded. However, the alloy type is an unknown quantity and does not respond to any of the aluminum filler wires I have tried. If a compatible filler can be found welding might be an option. I, once, tried to use a second broken piece from which to obtain a piece of filler material and that did not wet in at all.

Brian · 06-02-2021, 08:07 PM

These photos are of an early fuel pump mount that I modified the mounting flange on, by TIG welding, in order to mount the pump at an angle, which will prove these things can be welded.

Jack E/NJ · 06-02-2021, 08:11 PM

tcm>>> it is unknown how long ago the JB weld was applied but I can tell you the ear of the flange is very solid.>>>

Well, if it was mine, I'd probably beautify/hide the JBWeld repair with a bit of aluminum enamel. Then repair or replace the pump itself. Put it all back together and run it. Then maybe casually search for a replacement stand at a good price. Cuz I'm not gonna pay a lot for a stand. 8^) Jack E/NJ

tomcarman · 06-02-2021, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack E/NJ

tcm>>> it is unknown how long ago the JB weld was applied but I can tell you the ear of the flange is very solid.>>>

Well, if it was mine, I'd probably beautify/hide the JBWeld repair with a bit of aluminum enamel. Then repair or replace the pump itself. Put it all back together and run it. Then maybe casually search for a replacement stand at a good price. Cuz I'm not gonna pay a lot for a stand. 8^) Jack E/NJ

That is certainly an option. My concern is the cupped flange won't seat correctly. It's not much of a cup but it's enough to possibly allow passage for either liquid or air. Is there any appreciable pressure at that connection? Given my resources the only option I have would be to belt sand the ears as close to flat as I can then rely on the gasket. Any suggestions on gasketing? Double? Sealer? Rubber? Cork?

Jack E/NJ · 06-03-2021, 07:21 AM

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I think liberally smearing wheel bearing grease on all the surfaces will seal it fine. Or butter RTV on them if it's that badly cupped. Jack E/NJ

Bored&Stroked · 06-03-2021, 07:55 AM

If you're worried about a seal, just use some black RTV (so it doesn't stand out) - it will handle the cupped mating surface without a problem. There is very little vacuum or pressure to worry about, so as long as the RTV fills the area, you should have no problems.

With that said, there is some level of mechanical force applied to the housing via the up/down movement of the fuel pump push rod. Anybody who has installed a fuel pump with the cam driving lobe in the UP position has felt the spring pressure of the mechanism in the pump. This movement would apply some pressure to the flange itself. So if it was mine, I'd want to make sure there were no cracks or other weaknesses in the flange ears.

I would do the RTV dance in the near term and then find a replacement or a wonder welder.

JWL · 06-03-2021, 10:29 AM

I was not aware the pre-37 were aluminum. I have never tried welding such an early unit. I probably have a couple but I am not going to break one to experiment with.

Pete · 06-03-2021, 02:55 PM

No one has mentioned making a new one. There are probably 20 people on here that could make a new one from flat bar and tubing in about 3 hours.
If you count the ones that could do it with hand tools you could increase that number to 50.

Farley's34 · 06-03-2021, 07:01 PM

Contact Carter Cook @ (607) 287-5993 he is a master welder.

https://www.powerconsultingandtraining.com/carter-cook

https://patents.justia.com/inventor/carter-cook

06-02-2021, 04:32 PM	#21
Brian Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Masterton, New Zealand Posts: 3,829	Re: Can this be welded? From 37 on they are zinc, the early ones are aluminum __________________ Unfortunately, two half wits don't make a whole wit!

06-02-2021, 04:32 PM	#22
JWL Member Emeritus Join Date: May 2010 Location: Fitzgerald, Georgia Posts: 2,204	Re: Can this be welded? I will not say it CANNOT be welded. However, the alloy type is an unknown quantity and does not respond to any of the aluminum filler wires I have tried. If a compatible filler can be found welding might be an option. I, once, tried to use a second broken piece from which to obtain a piece of filler material and that did not wet in at all.

06-02-2021, 08:11 PM	#24
Jack E/NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 2,173	Re: Can this be welded? tcm>>> it is unknown how long ago the JB weld was applied but I can tell you the ear of the flange is very solid.>>> Well, if it was mine, I'd probably beautify/hide the JBWeld repair with a bit of aluminum enamel. Then repair or replace the pump itself. Put it all back together and run it. Then maybe casually search for a replacement stand at a good price. Cuz I'm not gonna pay a lot for a stand. 8^) Jack E/NJ

06-03-2021, 07:21 AM	#26
Jack E/NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 2,173	Re: Can this be welded? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I think liberally smearing wheel bearing grease on all the surfaces will seal it fine. Or butter RTV on them if it's that badly cupped. Jack E/NJ

06-03-2021, 07:55 AM	#27
Bored&Stroked Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 5,062	Re: Can this be welded? If you're worried about a seal, just use some black RTV (so it doesn't stand out) - it will handle the cupped mating surface without a problem. There is very little vacuum or pressure to worry about, so as long as the RTV fills the area, you should have no problems. With that said, there is some level of mechanical force applied to the housing via the up/down movement of the fuel pump push rod. Anybody who has installed a fuel pump with the cam driving lobe in the UP position has felt the spring pressure of the mechanism in the pump. This movement would apply some pressure to the flange itself. So if it was mine, I'd want to make sure there were no cracks or other weaknesses in the flange ears. I would do the RTV dance in the near term and then find a replacement or a wonder welder.

06-03-2021, 10:29 AM	#28
JWL Member Emeritus Join Date: May 2010 Location: Fitzgerald, Georgia Posts: 2,204	Re: Can this be welded? I was not aware the pre-37 were aluminum. I have never tried welding such an early unit. I probably have a couple but I am not going to break one to experiment with.

06-03-2021, 02:55 PM	#29
Pete Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wa. Posts: 5,407	Re: Can this be welded? No one has mentioned making a new one. There are probably 20 people on here that could make a new one from flat bar and tubing in about 3 hours. If you count the ones that could do it with hand tools you could increase that number to 50.

06-03-2021, 07:01 PM	#30
Farley's34 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Albany New York Posts: 505	Re: Can this be welded? Contact Carter Cook @ (607) 287-5993 he is a master welder. https://www.powerconsultingandtraining.com/carter-cook https://patents.justia.com/inventor/carter-cook