Just wanted some opinions on welding on a hydraulic tank on logsplitter. Percautions that should be taken? Last year I built a splitter and it's a total beast. But I inherited a Huskee splitter that was my brother's. The tank looks like something fell on it right were the vertical pivot point is located. And the whole bead behind the pivot needs to be re-welded. I've heard some stories of possible fires. Just need some input please. I'll try to pist some pics when I get a chance. Thanks.
Welding will be done on the highest point of the reservoir? Likely it won’t be completely full of fluid. Hydraulic fluid has a pretty high flash point. Crack the fill cap to avoid pressure buildup from the heat generated from welding. I personally wouldn’t be overly concerned. Disclaimer: “Weld at your own risk”
I figured on draining the tank before anything. The splitter needs some attention. Want to get it back in action since it was my brother's. Hate to see it just sit.
Well, you won’t have anything to worry about then! I agree, get it back in operating condition. Always nice to keep things in the family.
I think you got it backwards. When I welded fuel tanks on locomotives for the railroad I always had the laborers on the fuel island fill the tanks with diesel fuel first, then welded them. In that way the diesel fuel (oil) boiled by the weld, but because of a lack of air would not burn. It really is the safest way to do this with diesel fuel because there was no build up of vapors, in that case 5000 gallons worth of fuel vapor. The fuel inside the tank cooled the weld as it was formed on the outside. It really worked well People were freaked out, but a tank without fuel is full of vapors and like an explosion ready to go off. In the case of a hydraulic tank, you would just set the inside of the tank on fire and would NOT have an explosion. I am having a hard time picturing the location of the weld, but if possible I would fill it with hydraulic oil, then weld it.
Depending on equipment available and where the repair is, you can purge/inert the tank per the "American petroleum institute" It will keep the fluid from getting burnt/ruined. And allow a for a full pen(better) weld.
