Hey guys,
I was approached by an automotive machine shop to do some aluminum & cast iron/steel welding on cracked parts. These fellows are outstanding machinists & their work on engines & associated engine parts is impeccable.....they know their "sheet".
Their problem is with repairing(welding) cracked aluminum heads on GM mfg., 4cyl engines, used on forklifts. These forklifts use propane fuel & after several tries to repair the cracks(w/TIG), the weld would not hold. The general consensus from investigation is that the propane somehow alters or severly contaminates the base aluminum casting.
I'm hoping that Lawrence & G.S. Crisi, or any of the well-knowledgeable members will have some input as to any information that would support the theory of propane damage to an aluminum casting & if a repair is possible or not.
Thanks guys.... Denny