Boiler hole repair

Equipment doesn't work? Troubleshooting? If you're handy, members can help.
Johnnygees
Posts: 1
Joined: 2 years ago

#1: Post by Johnnygees »

Hello, I'm new at this. I'm restoring a Faema Compact 85. I took it apart and started to clean the tank. I beat it up with a bunch of little dents and popped a tiny hole in a couple of places. I'm going to silver solder the holes, and put it back together. Are there any safety issues I need to be aware of? Thanks,
Johnny

ira
Team HB
Posts: 5497
Joined: 16 years ago

#2: Post by ira »

Just be really careful, a steam boiler resembles a small bomb if it lets go.

Ira

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BaristaBoy E61
Posts: 3512
Joined: 9 years ago

#3: Post by BaristaBoy E61 »

Here's a link to a video you might want to view:
"You didn't buy an Espresso Machine - You bought a Chemistry Set!"

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guijan12
Posts: 586
Joined: 6 years ago

#4: Post by guijan12 »

I once tried to repair a copper pipe, with pin holes in it, by soldering it.
It didn't work out; every soldered pinhole revealed 2 new ones.

I'm not sure about the boiler, but if the pinhole(s) comes from within the boiler, they may be all over the boiler surface.
Regards,

Guido

JRising
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#5: Post by JRising »

Make sure your will is up to date and that you tell your loved ones that you love them first.

If you're seriously not kidding, then go ahead and open the boiler and thoroughly inspect it. You already KNOW that you're not just going to just dab silver solder on the outer surface, right? So you will have to have the boiler open and remarkably clean, and good luck. It is possible to repair a boiler, it just must be done well.

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Jeff
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#6: Post by Jeff »

To further amplify this, pinholes on the outside may be a sign of serious corrosion on the inside.