Surely this elbow isnt an integral part of the tank. We know its not welded to the tank.... LOL... Cant you just replace the elbow?

Second JBWeld might work, but for how long? The epoxy putty on counter of every auto parts store in country might be bit better. I got some industrial epoxy off ebay that beats JBWeld and the putty epoxy. To buy it just for that elbow, again probably cheaper and better to replace the elbow.

Bronze covers lot territory in alloy it describes. I believe some bronzes can be tig welded. And I suspect you could also silver solder your elbow. Do a google on tig welding bronze and a google on silver soldering bronze. I'd probably go one of these over epoxy. Its tricky though as most bronze I've seen has a very low melting point.

 

Surely if it wasn't welded to the tank i would have replaced it already.LOL
Thanks for the input on the bronze and welding though.
I may just cap the overflow pipe attached to the elbow and come out the side of the tank with new pipe.

 

there are places for epoxy fixes and there are places not to use it.
what happens when the epoxy fails? if its not critical ok... as others have said it can be brassed (by a good welder) even a hack can solder it. but replacement seems the way to go....very little pressure from gravity of a 150 gallon tank,,,,2-3 psi at most.

 

It can be brazed (similar to soldering) with a brass rod and an acetylene torch.

 

Here is the DIY product that will fix the problem
http://www.marinetex.com/marinetexepoxyputty.html
It is available at boat repair/supply stores.

 

I used JB Weld to fix numerous cracks in an 8N block a few years ago and have had zero issues with it but the system is not really pressurized but the crack has to be ground out to provide a good seat for the epoxy. I've also used molten sulfur to seal cracks in cast tractor blocks. Soldering the crack might work but you may need to drill holes on each end of the crack to keep it from cracking out as you heat up the bronze. There is also an arc rod available that will work you just need to drill out the ends of the crack and preheat the elbow if I recall correctly and then wrap it with insulation to ensure that it does not cool too quickly or it will crack out in the heat affected zone. Personally I would recommend ENECON epoxy. It is a 2 part epoxy that works very well, just don't knead it too long or it will set up in your hands. Use it to form fit a sleeve around you crack and i would suggest you grind out the crack a little bit just to form a trough for the epoxy to fit into. Good luck, hope it helps.

 

well hello brother,,,,i have been telling people about the sulfur sticks for decades now...you are the first other i heard of that used the same....

 

Appreciate the tips and advice everyone.
This tank is going to be in my basement and part of my new solar hot water system so whatever i do has to be permanent no chance of leaking fix.
I'm thinking the water may be 160 degrees.
That said, talked to someone yesterday who told me about a retired navy ship builder who has set up shop locally and has a tig welder, does all kinds of different metal working cast metals included.
I'm going to run the tank over there today and have him take a look at it.
It will be worth some peace of mind whatever it cost to have it done right.

 

Bronze can be welded, but you have to have a high-frequency box on the welder. If you can find someone who welds aluminum, they can use the same process.