If a bracket on my heat exchanger broke is it ok to simply weld it back on?

Discussion in 'Ask Our Repairmen' started by johnny916, Mar 11, 2011.

  1. johnny916 Member

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    As you can see, one of the mounting brackets broke with little pressure I might add.

    Can I weld it back on without damaging the heat exchanger??

    IMG_5134.jpg
    johnny916, Mar 11, 2011
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  2. Kevin Dumas Member

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    I don't know if you can but a qualified welder can.
    Kevin Dumas, Mar 11, 2011
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  3. ctech Member

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    from all your recent post it looks like youve got a project on your hands. i have alot of respect for those who try to make repairs, but sounds like you might be in over your head.

    is this a used machine youve recently purchased?

    reffering to previous post on: HX, rust on frame, brackets breaking and who knows what else.
    ctech, Mar 11, 2011
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  4. johnny916 Member

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    I thought that same thing myself, but I already have everything off. I can find someone who can weld (I cannot).. The machine worked prior to taking it apart so I'm just trying to make everything good before I move it into my Chevy van.

    It's a used machine, I obviously did not do enough research on what could go wrong with these units before purchasing..
    I am now just trying to make a bad situation good so I can start cleaning again or sell the whole thing and do something else.
    johnny916, Mar 11, 2011
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  5. bryanphillips New Member

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    An experienced welder should be able to weld a new bracket on for you. or even make a new bracket, if the old one is damaged. Again....experience is what matters here. If it's stainless, it will take a certain kind of welding to get it done correctly. If you are calling around, just make sure you tell him the type of steel (metal, stainless, etc) and thicknesses, so you can determine if he, or his shop is qualified.
    bryanphillips, Mar 11, 2011
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  6. johnny916 Member

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    I'm just going to bolt the bracket back on, it will still give it some support once bolted on.
    johnny916, Mar 11, 2011
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  7. joeynbgky Active Member

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    Who did you buy this machine from? pm me if you want. It looks formiller i may have some background on it
    joeynbgky, Mar 12, 2011
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  8. dgardner New Member

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    Johnny,

    If you can, fix all the little things like this (and big things too) while you have it apart. Believe me, this could make the difference between a machine you can use everyday without worry, and one that causes you constant problems and breakdowns.
    dgardner, Mar 12, 2011
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  9. Newman New Member

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    If you use the braket on the HX as a prop rather than welding it back on, it will chew a hole in the HX rather quickly. This will happen due to vibration of the machine.

    Any pro welder can handle that Stainless Steel without a problem. Find a local guy and have him weld it up.

    If your Performer is worth fixing at all, fix it right. Duct tape and bubble gum repairs will haunt you later at the most inconveinent time.
    Newman, Mar 12, 2011
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