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[midnight_f150]

I have one long crack and a few small cracks on the backside of the water tank away from the firebox. It is an 03 Hardy H2 model. I'm looking for some advice on the best way to repair the tank. The dealer suggested that I try to add 6 cans of unsweetened eagle brand condensed milk. Has this worked for anyone else or does anyone have any other fixes? Thank you

[hondaracer2oo4]

Ohh boy that is a BIG bummer. Any idea what caused that? Was your dealer joking about the condensed milk? Sounds like a joke!

[slimjim]

Did it get run low on water? Not sure about the condensed milk trick, we have done some pretty crazy things to get home after a radiator leak etc. but I'm not sure I would want to rely on canned milk all winter, My suggestion is get it repaired or replaced soon.

[midnight_f150]

Yes, the dealer acutally suggested that! Sounds crazy but he says they have done it in the past. I did find cases through google searches where people say it has worked for them. Is it possible to get the crack welded on a water tank or do I need to get a patch panel welded over it? Other than the condensed milk plan I don't really know the best "real" way to fix it. I'm worried if the condensed milk does actually work that it is only going to fix it for a few months and I will be back where I started. Need a permanent fix without having to buy a new water tank, which is $3100 before shipping/install. Thanks for any help!

[slimjim]

Typically, welding stainless is not for the amatuer and should be very controlled, stainless gets very brittle after welding and cracks next to the weld, I would talk to the manufacturer to see what their recomendation would be!

[mlappin]

Typically, welding stainless is not for the amatuer and should be very controlled, stainless gets very brittle after welding and cracks next to the weld, I would talk to the manufacturer to see what their recomendation would be!

Exactly. what kind of stainless were they?

Maybe try something like Kseal or Irontite?

[hondaracer2oo4]

Not sure if that is the only location of cracking but you could also try a two part epoxy like jb weld. I would first grind around the crack to roughin up the surface to give it something to bite onto.

[d conover]

It looks like that H2 got extremely hot, from the bluing of the lower parts.  It seems strange, because that is in the ash pit area.

[dukethebeagle]

this might sound stupid,but i wonder if that stop leak for rads would plug cracks up.
i used it on a cracked engine block one time and it stayed plugged for two years till i scraped the truck

[Steinacher Sales]

to all,

It may sound silly, but I have heard of this condensed milk thing before. I was told that it coagulates and will stop the leak for a time. Kind of like stop leak in a tire. It is a short time fix and I don't think I would want that hard milk circulating in my system. It might plug something else up!

Greg Steinacher
618-401-0726
Web site: www.midwestoutdoorfurnace.com

[RSI]

If it stops the leak, it will most likely also lower the BTU output and/or plug the heat exchangers. Now is the best time to have it repaired right. Do you really want to do a temporary fix at this time of the year and then have it fail in the middle on winter?

I would call some welding shops in the area and ask them about repairing it. You will need to tell them the type of metal. (304ss?) After talking to a few places you should get a pretty good idea which knows what they are doing and which don't. I would not consider any unless they say they will use a TIG welder.

If you get someone that knows what they are doing with this type stainless, you will be best off letting them repair it the way they suggest and not try to tell them how to do it.

You could just get them to come for an estimate first and then post what they suggest before having them go ahead with it.

[slimjim]

Good suggestions guys!

[woodywoodchucker]

You really need to get that plate cut out and replaced. stainless used to be a bugger to weld but now days its ez. Hire a welder.