Why is it that bialaddin tanks leak at the bottom, from little vertical hair line cracks? Just picked up a new lamp, pressured tested it in water, and then this....
Not every Bialaddin tank suffers from that problem, but it's a long time since they were made and some are failing, the brass becomes stressed and it cracks, but those lamps are useful for parts.
I do wonder if some tanks got over worked when formed especially in the area of the step at the bottom edge of the tank. Having said that I have so far only found one tank that weeps along the joint between the tank top and bottom sections, not bad for such old lamps. Looks like Gareth has been unlucky finding such a poor example.
It's just frustrating as I've had 2 bialaddin tanks leak, in the last 2 months. You think you've got a good one, and then it leaks ♂️
Some of my tanks had the same problems, or bad soldering seams... If the condition from brass was o.k. I repaired my tanks. Regards Frank
Frank, that’s one huge dent you have removed there. Did you use the freezing method discussed here recently?
@AussiePete Hi Pete, i fill the tank more than 90% with water. Than i give max. pressure on it. I fixed carefully the tank with wet strong foam at the bottom and top in a vice, the dent at the highest point. I save the soldered joints with wet clothes. Than i begin carefully to "massage" the dent with a small propane burner flame till it comes slowly to the correct shape. It is tricky risc job that needs practise and maybe damaged the tank... so be carefull. Regards Frank
@primaxel Thank you for that. The method you used certainly sorted out the dent. I will try / practice your method with a damaged fount that I have, if I can find it. Cheers Pete
Really have to tread lightly with this method... I can't get the freeze method to work! Propane burner flame, SUICIDE! Getting too old for this...
