jb welded intercoolers?
12-08-2003, 03:43 PM
#6
0.0 BAR
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 10
Re:jb welded intercoolers?
I modified a probe intercooler to move the inlet/outlet pipes to the ends of the tank and blocked off the old location.
(hard to see but you can see the grey JB weld near the tank ends)
At first I used JB weld because we were rushing to get it done for an auto-x event. Well, the JB weld would only last for a few 100 miles or so- with about 15 lbs of boost it would eventually crack or blow off from the pressure. I repaired it about 3 times until I finally got another intercooler and had the pipes properly welded.
In your case I would just spend the money and have it welded. If you JB weld it first, and then try to weld it later, the JB weld is going to be a pain to clean up.
(hard to see but you can see the grey JB weld near the tank ends)
At first I used JB weld because we were rushing to get it done for an auto-x event. Well, the JB weld would only last for a few 100 miles or so- with about 15 lbs of boost it would eventually crack or blow off from the pressure. I repaired it about 3 times until I finally got another intercooler and had the pipes properly welded.
In your case I would just spend the money and have it welded. If you JB weld it first, and then try to weld it later, the JB weld is going to be a pain to clean up.
12-08-2003, 03:52 PM
#7
1.5 BAR
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,194
Re:jb welded intercoolers?
I think it's the vibration that cracks it and not the pressure. I worked in a refrigeration shop and we used not jb weld but a similiar substance to repair a number of refrigerator elements that have been punctured. they're made of thin aluminum and the pressure goes up to 6-7 bar when the fridge is off. This works great but you need to clean the surface with a handheld mill, angle grinder or something similiar to get a rough surface free of debris.
12-08-2003, 03:57 PM
#8
0.0 BAR
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 10
Re:jb welded intercoolers?
I thought it was vibration as well- until one time one of my block off plates forcibly blew off (tink-tink I heard behind me as I lost all power) and the last time, where another block off plate developed a crack, limiting my boost to only 10 PSI.
I wonder if it's a function of surface area?
just my $.02. with the welded tanks I'm done worrying about it.
I wonder if it's a function of surface area?
just my $.02. with the welded tanks I'm done worrying about it.
12-08-2003, 04:16 PM
#10
0.0 BAR
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 10
Re:jb welded intercoolers?
I meant a block off plate that blocked off the old turbo pipes going into the Ford Probe intercooler. My change has the tubes coming off the end (see pic), the OEM has them coming off the side (they're hidden from view on the back side of the turbo)
they were just 2x2" square pieces of aluminum, embedded in JB weld to close off the hole in the end tank. They were about as immune from vibration as possible. I'd post a pic of it if I could..
they were just 2x2" square pieces of aluminum, embedded in JB weld to close off the hole in the end tank. They were about as immune from vibration as possible. I'd post a pic of it if I could..
