Float Soldering How-(NOT)-To. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

soxplayer · 08-02-2012, 11:19 PM

I have always read that you can often repair a leaking brass float and get you carburetor on the road. Recently I got a brand new fuel tank sending unit from a good supplier, The sending unit worked perfectly for 3 weeks and then the gauge went to empty on a full tank. I removed the float from the sending unit and it sank in a pail of water. I decided to try and fix the float since it would allow me to put the truck right back out on the road. The float on a 67 is about the size and shape of a D cell battery and is made of two matching brass cup shaped assemblies that are soldered together. The shape of the float will allow it to spin like a top in the blast of a heat gun unless the airflow is direct onto the end of one of the cups. If you apply two much heat it is possible for the main solder joint to melt and the two halve of the float will separate (see below for details).

Now the disclaimer: You should not rely on the following directions to repair a float as a complete guide to float repair. In fact, you shouldn't try to repair your float at all... Read on and find out why.

Step 1) You must remove the gasoline that has leaked into the float. As you will see in later steps, gasoline is quite flammable and has a lot of chemical energy that must not be released by combustion even in small amounts in your shop.

Step 2) Get a heat gun and place the float in the airstream of the gun. Do this outside in a well ventilated area away from any structures or vehicles you value. Extinguish all open and closed flames at this point and put out all smoking material. You might want to find and check your fire extinguisher.

Step 3) As the float heats up, the gasoline will begin to boil inside the float and force its way out of through the leak. This is handy for identifying the repair site.

Step 4) When the gasoline seems to have been driven from the float assembly, allow it to cool. Test the float by floating it in the pail of water with the leaky side up. It should ride well out of the water or it still has gasoline inside. If you are no absolutely sure the float is empty, go back to step 2)

Step 5) Clean the area of the repair with sandpaper to prepare it for soldering, but only if you are SURE there is no fuel left inside the float.

Step 6) Now that you are SURE there is no more fuel in the float, reheat the float with the heat gun. As the float is warming, examine the leak to make sure that no fuel vapor is escaping from the float. If necessary, return to step 2).

The next few steps will be performed quickly so it might be best to commit them to memory because you will not have time to consult the instructions during the following procedure.

Step *) Now that the float has been heated and you are REALLY SURE that no fuel remain in side the float, begin heating the repair site with a propane torch in preparation to flow solder into the leak.

Step **) As the vapor that is still escaping from the float catches fire...

Step ***) Quickly remove the heat gun from the area in order to avoid fanning the flame.

Step ****) Extinguish the torch and remove it from the area as well.

Step *****) Notice how the flame has superheated the float and now the fuel inside the 'empty' float is forcing its way out of the float. Notice how this fuel imparts a spinning motion to the float like one of those spinning fire crackers from the Fourth of July. This spinning motion is normal, as is the panic you feel as you dive behind the house or vehicle you sought to protect in Step 2) (At this point you will not remember step 2 but, assuming all works out well you will want to congratulate yourself for this act of foresight when the repair is complete.)

Step ******) As the fuel float accelerates past 50 or 60 RPM you may detect that the gasoline flame powered nozzle that is imparting the rotation to the float is losing some energy and you begin to believe the gasoline powered firework will burn itself out.

Step A) (You will have lost count at this point so it might be time to start over using the alphabet instead) As the float begin to slow down and the flame looses some of its peak brightness …

Step!) The solder joint holding the two halve of the float together will reach its melting point.

Step !!) The two halves will fly away from each other to parts unknown but possibly towards the items you thought of protecting in Step 2) (Remember step 2)? I don't right now as my heart rate is off-scale and my ears are ringing from the sound of the two halves separating. (You might want to look around your yard to see if part of my float made it over to your place, I can guarantee that neither half is on my property.)

Step ?) Slowly realize what has happened and take stock of any damage.

Step ?!?!?) Try to explain to your wife what has happened now that she has run outside to she if she needs to call an ambulance, or worse.

Finally,

Go back in the house.

Order a new float.

Wait for delivery.

Oh, by the way if anyone tells you you can skip these steps by simply heating the float with the torch to drive out the fuel, I recommend you seriously consider avoiding all of this individual's advice in the future,

P.S. If you find a half of a fuel float outside in your yard: I don't want it back. Perhaps you could recycle the brass.

oldskydog · 08-02-2012, 11:35 PM

***Josh*** · 08-03-2012, 12:21 AM

Excellent write up!!!

Car'n'Guitars · 08-03-2012, 12:22 AM

Love the story.

brianthelion02 · 08-03-2012, 12:23 AM

LMAO,I had this happen with a"new" float assembly.I thought better than to repairit and happily found the new float assembly for the 51 Chevy truck is the same exact float,dodged a bullet,err float with that one,LMAO

Posted via Mobile Device

So.Cal.Super · 08-03-2012, 01:07 AM

Great story!!

**70cst** · 08-03-2012, 01:49 AM

A Masterpiece

camrycurt · 08-03-2012, 08:09 AM

Excellent!! Great job on the write up!

67Slider · 08-03-2012, 08:53 AM

Too funny. I love it!

cdowns · 08-03-2012, 11:04 AM

haave had that happen that is why i just dunk them in a can of gastank sealant

Fred T · 08-03-2012, 11:07 AM

Only an idiot would use a torch on a gasoline float!

Next time use your wife's hairdryer.

Let us know if you live through that!

Also, POR-15 can be used for this kind of fix. But you have to get the gasoline out first.

chevyboy55 · 08-03-2012, 11:21 AM

You owe me a new keyboard from the coffee I just spit all over it & my monitor & a box of Kleenex from all the tears running down my cheeks from laughing so hard! Man you should be a comedy writer!

chopnchaneled · 08-03-2012, 12:33 PM

Glad your OK, but a great story

ole dollor · 08-03-2012, 01:07 PM

glad you are ok... that's a funny story, and a good write up on what not to do...maybe everyone will remember this in the future ....and the wife can wash those paints and you will still be able to wear them again....lol

s_nova69 · 08-03-2012, 03:06 PM

Ah man that is the funniest thing I have read on this board!!!!!!
Everyone here at school is wondering why I am crying with laughter. It is always amazing that we come up with these ideas that initially sound like a solid solution to the problem and then BOOOOMM!!
I cant say that I have every exploaded a float but there are other things that have made me quite frantic.

Thanks for sharing so that we might learn from your adventures.

**Boog** · 08-05-2012, 08:14 PM

I think this falls under the line " good judgement comes from bad experiences" .

odog · 08-05-2012, 09:04 PM

I am glad you wrote that!!!! That is the funniest thing I have read in a long time, thank you for sharing!!

VA72C10 · 08-13-2012, 12:01 AM

Loved it....it's the write up that made this a classic!!!

DorianB · 08-13-2012, 10:39 AM

OMG sticky! This is hilarious!!!!!!

Murphy IRE · 08-13-2012, 11:44 AM

Awesome!!! That beats my shorted out wiring (filled the cab competely with smoke) on my tranny lock up. You should get it on America's funniest video and retire!

68gmsee · 08-13-2012, 03:57 PM

Hilarious! And informative for those of us that like to repair to save a buck or two.

Bert W · 08-13-2012, 04:27 PM

Great job! I felt like I was diving with you to avoid the flames. Should this be in the FAQ under float repair?

**jaros44sr** · 03-23-2018, 05:44 PM

BTTT... for all to learn and enjoy

**HO455** · 03-23-2018, 06:17 PM

Truly hilarious!

I think I was crying at the pinwheel point of the tale.

I never have any luck repairing floats either, but I never failed quite as spectacularly as you did. Thanks for making the afternoon better

Good thing it wasn't a correct date coded factory float..

**Stocker** · 03-23-2018, 06:18 PM

Thanks for bringing this one back.... somehow I missed it the first time. Classic!

08-02-2012, 11:19 PM	#1
soxplayer Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Forest City IA Posts: 56	Float Soldering How-(NOT)-To. I have always read that you can often repair a leaking brass float and get you carburetor on the road. Recently I got a brand new fuel tank sending unit from a good supplier, The sending unit worked perfectly for 3 weeks and then the gauge went to empty on a full tank. I removed the float from the sending unit and it sank in a pail of water. I decided to try and fix the float since it would allow me to put the truck right back out on the road. The float on a 67 is about the size and shape of a D cell battery and is made of two matching brass cup shaped assemblies that are soldered together. The shape of the float will allow it to spin like a top in the blast of a heat gun unless the airflow is direct onto the end of one of the cups. If you apply two much heat it is possible for the main solder joint to melt and the two halve of the float will separate (see below for details). Now the disclaimer: You should not rely on the following directions to repair a float as a complete guide to float repair. In fact, you shouldn't try to repair your float at all... Read on and find out why. Step 1) You must remove the gasoline that has leaked into the float. As you will see in later steps, gasoline is quite flammable and has a lot of chemical energy that must not be released by combustion even in small amounts in your shop. Step 2) Get a heat gun and place the float in the airstream of the gun. Do this outside in a well ventilated area away from any structures or vehicles you value. Extinguish all open and closed flames at this point and put out all smoking material. You might want to find and check your fire extinguisher. Step 3) As the float heats up, the gasoline will begin to boil inside the float and force its way out of through the leak. This is handy for identifying the repair site. Step 4) When the gasoline seems to have been driven from the float assembly, allow it to cool. Test the float by floating it in the pail of water with the leaky side up. It should ride well out of the water or it still has gasoline inside. If you are no absolutely sure the float is empty, go back to step 2) Step 5) Clean the area of the repair with sandpaper to prepare it for soldering, but only if you are SURE there is no fuel left inside the float. Step 6) Now that you are SURE there is no more fuel in the float, reheat the float with the heat gun. As the float is warming, examine the leak to make sure that no fuel vapor is escaping from the float. If necessary, return to step 2). The next few steps will be performed quickly so it might be best to commit them to memory because you will not have time to consult the instructions during the following procedure. Step ) Now that the float has been heated and you are REALLY SURE that no fuel remain in side the float, begin heating the repair site with a propane torch in preparation to flow solder into the leak. Step ) As the vapor that is still escaping from the float catches fire... Step ) Quickly remove the heat gun from the area in order to avoid fanning the flame. Step ) Extinguish the torch and remove it from the area as well. Step *) Notice how the flame has superheated the float and now the fuel inside the 'empty' float is forcing its way out of the float. Notice how this fuel imparts a spinning motion to the float like one of those spinning fire crackers from the Fourth of July. This spinning motion is normal, as is the panic you feel as you dive behind the house or vehicle you sought to protect in Step 2) (At this point you will not remember step 2 but, assuming all works out well you will want to congratulate yourself for this act of foresight when the repair is complete.) Step ****) As the fuel float accelerates past 50 or 60 RPM you may detect that the gasoline flame powered nozzle that is imparting the rotation to the float is losing some energy and you begin to believe the gasoline powered firework will burn itself out. Step A) (You will have lost count at this point so it might be time to start over using the alphabet instead) As the float begin to slow down and the flame looses some of its peak brightness … Step!) The solder joint holding the two halve of the float together will reach its melting point. Step !!) The two halves will fly away from each other to parts unknown but possibly towards the items you thought of protecting in Step 2) (Remember step 2)? I don't right now as my heart rate is off-scale and my ears are ringing from the sound of the two halves separating. (You might want to look around your yard to see if part of my float made it over to your place, I can guarantee that neither half is on my property.) Step ?) Slowly realize what has happened and take stock of any damage. Step ?!?!?) Try to explain to your wife what has happened now that she has run outside to she if she needs to call an ambulance, or worse. Finally, Go back in the house. Order a new float. Wait for delivery. Oh, by the way if anyone tells you you can skip these steps by simply heating the float with the torch to drive out the fuel, I recommend you seriously consider avoiding all of this individual's advice in the future, P.S. If you find a half of a fuel float outside in your yard: I don't want it back. Perhaps you could recycle the brass.

08-02-2012, 11:35 PM	#2
oldskydog Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Mesa, Az Posts: 50	Re: Float Soldering How-(NOT)-To.

08-03-2012, 12:21 AM	#3
*Josh* He's got mean nasty FANGS! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Rockwell, NC Posts: 6,514	Re: Float Soldering How-(NOT)-To. Excellent write up!!! __________________ 2004 K2500 Burb 1999 C3500 1985 Cutlass Supreme 1969 C-10 1967 C-10 Panel josh@67-72chevytrucks.com

08-03-2012, 12:22 AM	#4
Car'n'Guitars Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 1,308	Re: Float Soldering How-(NOT)-To. Love the story. __________________ 1985 Chevrolet K10 Custom Deluxe---SOLD 1997 Ram 2500 5.9 Cummins 1985 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 1987 Chevrolet K10 Silverado "The Beast" build 1987 Silverado http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6150257

08-03-2012, 12:23 AM	#5
brianthelion02 Overdrive club Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: apache junction, arizona Posts: 819	Re: Float Soldering How-(NOT)-To. LMAO,I had this happen with a"new" float assembly.I thought better than to repairit and happily found the new float assembly for the 51 Chevy truck is the same exact float,dodged a bullet,err float with that one,LMAO Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1971 c-10 1951 3100 chevy 1970 chevy c-30 Sold!

08-03-2012, 01:07 AM	#6
So.Cal.Super It'll Buff Out! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: San Diego Posts: 603	Re: Float Soldering How-(NOT)-To. Great story!! __________________ "Instructions are just another mans opinion" Become a Supporting Member http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php Man Card Rules http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=634550 72 Chevy Cheyenne Super 400 LWB

08-03-2012, 01:49 AM	#7
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,373	Re: Float Soldering How-(NOT)-To. A Masterpiece __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

08-03-2012, 08:09 AM	#8
camrycurt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Leesburg, VA Posts: 420	Re: Float Soldering How-(NOT)-To. Excellent!! Great job on the write up! __________________ Curt 1970 C/10, 250 L6 with Rochester BV carb, SM465 4 speed, 3.73 open rear

08-03-2012, 08:53 AM	#9
67Slider Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Pueblo West, CO Posts: 944	Re: Float Soldering How-(NOT)-To. Too funny. I love it! __________________ 67 C10 Stepside 66 Mustang Coupe 99 Burb 2500

08-03-2012, 11:04 AM	#10
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Float Soldering How-(NOT)-To. haave had that happen that is why i just dunk them in a can of gastank sealant __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

08-03-2012, 11:07 AM	#11
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	Re: Float Soldering How-(NOT)-To. Only an idiot would use a torch on a gasoline float! Next time use your wife's hairdryer. Let us know if you live through that! Also, POR-15 can be used for this kind of fix. But you have to get the gasoline out first. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

08-03-2012, 11:21 AM	#12
chevyboy55 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Kelso,Wa Posts: 3,637	Re: Float Soldering How-(NOT)-To. You owe me a new keyboard from the coffee I just spit all over it & my monitor & a box of Kleenex from all the tears running down my cheeks from laughing so hard! Man you should be a comedy writer! __________________ Great minds think alike,So do ours

08-03-2012, 12:33 PM	#13
chopnchaneled Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Atlanta, Ga. Posts: 1,050	Re: Float Soldering How-(NOT)-To. Glad your OK, but a great story __________________ I don't think we get smarter as we get older. We just run out of Stupid things to do.

08-03-2012, 01:07 PM	#14
ole dollor Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Anton, Texas Posts: 2,364	Re: Float Soldering How-(NOT)-To. glad you are ok... that's a funny story, and a good write up on what not to do...maybe everyone will remember this in the future ....and the wife can wash those paints and you will still be able to wear them again....lol

08-03-2012, 03:06 PM	#15
s_nova69 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: slc, ut Posts: 318	Re: Float Soldering How-(NOT)-To. Ah man that is the funniest thing I have read on this board!!!!!! Everyone here at school is wondering why I am crying with laughter. It is always amazing that we come up with these ideas that initially sound like a solid solution to the problem and then BOOOOMM!! I cant say that I have every exploaded a float but there are other things that have made me quite frantic. Thanks for sharing so that we might learn from your adventures. __________________ Phil '70 Longhorn 421 700r4 tach 4 wheel disc hydroboost daily driver '72 short super build 4wd '72 Suburban LT4 coming soon!!



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08-05-2012, 08:14 PM	#16
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,514	Re: Float Soldering How-(NOT)-To. I think this falls under the line " good judgement comes from bad experiences" . __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

08-05-2012, 09:04 PM	#17
odog Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Wendell, Idaho Posts: 608	Re: Float Soldering How-(NOT)-To. I am glad you wrote that!!!! That is the funniest thing I have read in a long time, thank you for sharing!! __________________ 1969 4x4 Nothing beats a good rock drill and some dynamite

08-13-2012, 12:01 AM	#18
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,267	Re: Float Soldering How-(NOT)-To. Loved it....it's the write up that made this a classic!!! __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

08-13-2012, 10:39 AM	#19
DorianB Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Buford, Ga Posts: 205	Re: Float Soldering How-(NOT)-To. OMG sticky! This is hilarious!!!!!! __________________ In my opinion, it works best to have the seat out so you have room to flop your body around while standing on your head. -ashx2

08-13-2012, 11:44 AM	#20
Murphy IRE Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: South Denver Metro, CO Posts: 385	Re: Float Soldering How-(NOT)-To. Awesome!!! That beats my shorted out wiring (filled the cab competely with smoke) on my tranny lock up. You should get it on America's funniest video and retire!

08-13-2012, 03:57 PM	#21
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: Float Soldering How-(NOT)-To. Hilarious! And informative for those of us that like to repair to save a buck or two. __________________ 68 GMC 250/3 speed Saginaw p/b p/s 69 Chevy 350/350 currently in pieces still lookin for a cab 06 Trailblazer I just want a vehicle that I can work on, that won't talk to me, leave error msgs or keep track of how I drive...

08-13-2012, 04:27 PM	#22
Bert W Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Jackson, MS Posts: 373	Re: Float Soldering How-(NOT)-To. Great job! I felt like I was diving with you to avoid the flames. Should this be in the FAQ under float repair? __________________ 1968 Chevy C/10 LWB V8 1983 K5 Blazer 1989 C1500 Stepside Reg. Cab V8

03-23-2018, 05:44 PM	#23
jaros44sr Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,761	Re: Float Soldering How-(NOT)-To. BTTT... for all to learn and enjoy __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim

03-23-2018, 06:17 PM	#24
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 11,350	Re: Float Soldering How-(NOT)-To. Truly hilarious! I think I was crying at the pinwheel point of the tale. I never have any luck repairing floats either, but I never failed quite as spectacularly as you did. Thanks for making the afternoon better Good thing it wasn't a correct date coded factory float.. __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377

03-23-2018, 06:18 PM	#25
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,722	Re: Float Soldering How-(NOT)-To. Thanks for bringing this one back.... somehow I missed it the first time. Classic! __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

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