Radiator Assembly. - Continued

Metal Body Repair
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81

50 percent tin and 50 percent lead.

There are two types of solder

manufactured for the repair of vehicle radiators. These types are acid core

and wire solder.

All solder is removed from the parts prior to assembly. Any area that shows

signs of not being tinned must be retinned. If the oxyacetylene torch is

used, the flame is adjusted to a carburizing flame. If the soldering iron

is used, the copper point must be properly heated and tinned. If the copper

point is too cold, the solder will not flow freely and will not stick to the

metal. If the copper point is too hot, the solder will form little globules

that will run off the surface of the metal.

A small amount of solder

properly flowing into the joint will give a much better result then a joint

that has solder piled up in a rough seam.

A good soldering job is

recognized by the manner in which it flows into the joint. A rough, lumpy

seam indicates a poor job. A seam or joint of this kind should be gone over

with a properly heated iron to flow down the ridge and to pick up the excess

solder. The speed with which soldering can be done with a torch flame is an

advantage. It is preferred over the soldering iron for most purposes. The

method of applying solder with the torch is similar to the method used with

the soldering iron.

With the torch, solder is melted and flows directly

upon the surface of the metal. The heat of the metal and the torch flame

are both essential to liquefy the solder.

Satisfactory requirements of a

torch flame are:

(1) Will not be extinguished by the fumes of the flux or acid.

(2) Gives sufficient heat to accomplish quick fusion of the solder, and

yet not hot enough to damage the metal being soldered.

(3) Adjusted to suit the job to include a long, slim, needle-like flame

capable of reaching difficult places, as well as a heavy, bushy type flame

for dismantling parts.

Various gases can be used for soldering with satisfactory results. Hydrogen

gas, supported by compressed air, produces a flame that is very

satisfactory. This gas may not always be available. Acetylene gas is also

used, but is not