I would like to weld in my engine bay, please help

[artificialreef]

Hi folks, my twin 470's had the alternator conversion on them allready when i purchased. Prob is when i run the puppies the alt is flapping around like it needs some more stability. I have a cheap harbor freight arc welder that i am getting pretty good with that i would like to weld an extra support member for the alt somewhere.
I have never welded anything with electronics in it, mostly just utilitarian stuff. If i disconnect the battery is that cool welding on a boat (on a trailer). There doesnt seem to be a very good ground on a trailer. The ground on the welder i think should direct the current to the source ground. I dont plan on burning a hole in the side of the block but might find a an ear to weld on. What do you pro's think?

 

[legoman67]

Re: I would like to weld in my engine bay, please help

I would advise not welding to either component directly, make a bracket that is bolt on. Or modify the existing bracket system.

Take any component you want to weld off and do it on a bench. You will have more control, and wont have to worry about going up in a fireball

Also, if you do decide to weld directly to something large like an engine block, it takes a LOT more power then welding smaller stuff. And you will create a LOT of splatter and mess if your not used to it... You may also blow breakers with a 110v welder, especially if you are running on any extension cords

 

[artificialreef]

Re: I would like to weld in my engine bay, please help

I rigged the welder up to my dryer 220 outlet. There hasnt been gas in the boat for 2 and 1/2 years. No chance of a fireball. How well does the electronics handle the welding process in a 1983 with a distributor and points. No ecm.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: I would like to weld in my engine bay, please help

I dont plan on burning a hole in the side of the block but might find a an ear to weld on. What do you pro's think?

Um,


Isn't the 470 block aluminum?


I'll echo the above post and suggest that you just make another bracket to stabilize the alt.....


If you're going to weld a bracket while it's on the engine, just make sure that you do not have any fuel around (you said the tank is dry, is it close by and would you bet your life on it?)

I would also disconnect the alternator, distributor and the multi-pin plugs from the engines.

Arc welding can produce stray currents where you would least expect them to be.

The safest way to do it would be to weld outside the boat.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: I would like to weld in my engine bay, please help

Fab another bracket outside of the boat.You can't weld to the block.The head you can weld to.
The tank if there is ANY gas at all is way to dangerous to weld around.
I had a leaky motorcycle tank that I was gonna get welded.I flushed it 6-7 times,requested by the bike shop.They filled it up almost full with water and passed a torch over the fill.It started the vapors on fire after it was flushed.
A guy in Glen Burnie,Md was replacing a gas tank.Drained and flushed it still went off like a bomb and burned 75% of his body.J

 

[sqbtr]

Re: I would like to weld in my engine bay, please help

Have you ever welded cast iron? Whole different ball game, lots of heat generated from the pre heating

Go with the above sugestions and make a bracket

 

[Bondo]

Re: I would like to weld in my engine bay, please help

i would like to weld an extra support member for the alt somewhere.

Ayuh,... Weld What, to Where....

You need to fab up a bracket, ya can't weld the alternator to the motor....

 

[robert graham]

Re: I would like to weld in my engine bay, please help

Fabricate a bolt-on bracket, just like GM, Ford, Chrysler have done for years on their engines. Use a 1'x1/4" steel bar, or similar, and just make it. You're really just wanting a brace to take out the vibration. Good Luck!

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: I would like to weld in my engine bay, please help

Ayuh,... Weld What, to Where....

You need to fab up a bracket, ya can't weld the alternator to the motor....

Hey, I'll bet I could weld it to the block with my Miller Synchrowave 180!!

 

[Bondo]

Re: I would like to weld in my engine bay, please help

Originally Posted by Bond-o
Ayuh,... Weld What, to Where....

You need to fab up a bracket, ya can't weld the alternator to the motor....

Hey, I'll bet I could weld it to the block with my Miller Synchrowave 180!!

Ayuh,... 'n I'm sure it would Look sweet....

But how long would it Last,..??

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: I would like to weld in my engine bay, please help

Ayuh,... 'n I'm sure it would Look sweet....

But how long would it Last,..??

I didn't say it would last!