soldering 1/4 return line

[71chmark]

I need to plug the 1/4 inch hole for the return line in my new 3/8 sending unit. From other threads I have read it seems like soldering is the way to go.  I've soldered wires but never a hole.  It seems as if the solder would just run down the tube unless I just filled it up to the bend I suppose.  Can anyone give me guidance on how to plug my hole?  That doesn't really sound right does it?

[leithal]

that's disgusting.

[wally426ci]

is it another "nipple"?? you could just stick a vacuum cap on it....... 

[71chmark]

Seems like it would leak fuel out a vacuum cap when fuel level was above the sending unit base.  It is a nipple and goes through the sending unit base and ends after a short turn. I suppose I could put a screw in it and solder it closed.

[wally426ci]

Ive done the old, Bolt in a rubber hose trick and it had never leaked. of course, thats usually in junk cars up near the fuel pump, but hey, i think it would work..... 

[Katfish]

How about using some solder braid as a patch to fill the area.  Once you get the sides staked, you can fill the middle.

[71chmark]

Solder braid?

[Katfish]

It's basically copper mesh, it's normally used to wick solder away.  Once filled with solder it basically will become a solid.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062744&cp=&sr=1&kw=solder+braid&origkw=solder+braid&parentPage=search

[422STROKER]

I just put a short hose on it and a bolt for now.  No leaks at all.  I need to route this up to the vent set-up though.

Tom

By tdavist, shot with DSC-P72 at 2008-05-25

[drewcrane]

dont solder that , like they said put a hose on it and clamp it, you or someone else might use it later, i have to have a return line on my car for vapor lock problems, it gets hot here, maybe you should just hook up  a return line.

[Bullitt-]

cap it

is it another "nipple"?? you could just stick a vacuum cap on it....... 

[72bluNblu]

Vacuum caps won't work, the fuel will eat the rubber if you ever fill the tank above the level of the sending unit. Soldering wasn't all that hard, since its low temperature the solder doesn't really run all the way through, as it moves away from the end and the solder gun it hardens up and plugs the hole (if you keep the heat down). It took me a couple of tries, but worked fine once I figured out you can't just do it all at once. Solder a little at a time, giving the solder the chance to harden and the tube to cool a little and its no problem. As for needing it again, the solder can be melted out pretty easily, which you'll notice if you bring in too much heat with the soldering iron, all the solder runs out and you have to start over...

[71chmark]

Well I just did what Challorange did with a bolt, hose and a couple of clamps.  The whole job took 40 minutes from start to finish and now my gas guage works.  Yahoo.

[422STROKER]

Simple but effective.

Tom

[drewcrane]

all the solder runs out,isnt that the truth,well im glad that works for you and your car, as all cars, owners, and applications are different,its good info for me to know in the future!