3781. Pot metal repair

Letter 3781

Pot metal repair

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My dad and I own a small chrome plating company that specializes in auto parts restoration. I am looking for products or methods to repair pot metal parts. Any information that anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Brian K [last name deleted for privacy due to age of posting]
- Olathe, Kansas

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The slang phrase "pot metal" today probably means zinc or aluminum die castings, right? If by 'repair' you mean electroplate, you probably need to cyanide copper plate, then acid copper plate, then buff before nickel-chrome plating. If you mean to repair a broken die casting, you could try one of those 'liquid metal' glues or epoxies like J-B Weld [link is to product info at Amazon]. I don't think you can solder an aluminum die casting. Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
finishing.com
Brick, NJ

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If it is a good grade of casting as opposed to one with lots of impurities, both aluminum and steel can be TIG welded fairly easily. The more porous carbon castings can be brazed with brass type filler metal. When TIG is the choice, the welded area has to be VERY clean. Engine parts are sometimes saturated with oil which will mess up the weld. They require a through degreasing before welding. Cast iron can also be welded or brazed. If your not sure about the quality of the casting, have the welder "fire up" on a non critical portion first. That way, if it's not going to work...you still have the clean joint to try something else on.

Mr. K. Holcomb
- Tulsa, Ok

"Pot Metal" is easily repaired with Welco 52. A square wave TIG power source AC current with the balance set near the lowest setting will work good. You need to remove all grease, oils etc. and wire brush with stainless steel. Clean is the key. Use support on the back side of thin sections. Heat control can be tricky. You really need to be comfortable with a TIG torch in your hand before you try this. Use Argon for shielding gas. Any local welding supplier can get you Welco 52.

Bradford Maas
- Northfield, Minnesota

We use an epoxy that is used in repairing aluminum evaporator coils, in refrigeration work. Then we clean the part really good then we spray it with Krylon brass metallic paint (allow to dry-one hour) then copper plate with acid copper. Then simply finish the part. Works great too.

Philip Camp
- Phenix City, AL

+++ appended to this thread by editor

I AM RESTORING A 1946 JUKEBOX IN WHICH A PIECE IS BROKEN AND MADE OUT OF POT METAL. I'M LOOKING TO REPAIR IT MY SELF OR HAVE IT REPAIRED. IN THE CONNECTICUT AREA I HAVE BEEN STRIKING OUT WITH REPAIR SERVICE CO, I NEED HELP.

THANKS,

RICHARD D KENDRICK
- STRATFORD , CONNECTICUT, USA

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A product sold in the U.K. as Techno-Weld is a zinc based filler rod for aluminium, mag.alloys, mazak (pot metal)etc. It melts with a plumbers type blowtorch with no flux req. and can be used for joining metals or filling holes, defects etc.Care must be taken with zinc based alloys as the melting temp. of the rod will be very close to that of the parent metal. This method is more like brazing or soldering than welding. I'm sure this type of product is available in the U.S.A. from welding or engineering shops, it has got me out of trouble a few times.

Colin Peck
- North Weald, Essex U.K.

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I have used a product called HTS 735 II on pot metal and die-cast quite often..If this helps here's where I got it.. http://www.exposales.net/

M Birkholz
- o.p..ks,66207

August 27, 2006

Go to MuggyWeld.com and check out their Super Alloy 1 videos. I have tried J.B. weld with poor results. I have used Muggy welds Super Alloy 1 and it is easy to repair cracks, pits and missing pieces.

Eric J. Bremer
- Tomball, Texas, USA

October 14, 2007

I have a Porter Compressor C2002 air compressor, the valve broke off. Is there anyway I can fix this? I believe it is "pot Metal". I really don't want to purchase a new one!

John Marshall
buyer - Madras, OR, USA

April 12, 2008

Check Out MuggyWeld.com, click on the link for Pot Metal - I think you will be interested in the information and video clips... They talk about car restore/parts needs.

Karen Price
- Charlotte,NC

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