Welding an Aluminum Plenum
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,441
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I TIG all my aluminum stuff - no MIG on aluminum. The 6000-series welds really nice, regardless of form - 6061-T6 or T651 is very weldable. The only alloy that is problematic is the 2000-series (2024-T3 aircraft stuff) - it tends to crack out pretty bad, and should not be welded.
When welding dissimilar thicknesses, just watch the heat input into the thinner material, V-groove prep the thicker material so you get a little more punch and heat into it rather that putting all the heat into the thinner stiff. But you shouldn't have any trouble with the 1/4" - that's a lot of thickness, and you won't blow through that unless you really punch it. You'll enjoy it - have fun!
When welding dissimilar thicknesses, just watch the heat input into the thinner material, V-groove prep the thicker material so you get a little more punch and heat into it rather that putting all the heat into the thinner stiff. But you shouldn't have any trouble with the 1/4" - that's a lot of thickness, and you won't blow through that unless you really punch it. You'll enjoy it - have fun!
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
yes MIG on aluminium although it works much better with either a pulse mig machine or at least a spool gun so the wire doesn't clog up the drive wheels and/or hose.
As for the map, indeed mount it on the firewall and use a semi hard plastic line or some rubber that you KNOW won't collapse. If you have a collapsing hose you will get all kinds of weird iddle and off idle symptoms from the hose pinching and opening up.
In 81 & 82 the map was positioned next to the brake footwell area on the firewall.
As for the map, indeed mount it on the firewall and use a semi hard plastic line or some rubber that you KNOW won't collapse. If you have a collapsing hose you will get all kinds of weird iddle and off idle symptoms from the hose pinching and opening up.
In 81 & 82 the map was positioned next to the brake footwell area on the firewall.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,380
Likes: 6,391
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 0
Yes my MIG welder requires a nylon sleeve in the torch hose and I need to keep the hose fairly straight. Also .035" wire, the .030" wire will just collapse and create a rats nest just after the feed roller.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,095
Likes: 5
From: Oldham County Louisville, KY
Do you have any info on the wide-body pictured with the projector beams? Owner, location, etc?
Thx,
71CanAm
