Leaking steam stripper

[opps]

I purchased my steam stripper about 18 years ago (Earlex Steam Master). I seldom use it these days. I loaned it to a friend a while ago and he mentioned that it has a slight leak. If I identify the location of the leak on the tank, will something like Millput putty work? It says it is good up to 130 degrees C. Presumably, as a steam stripper, there will be no pressure to worry about.

A new tank will cost way more than I paid for the whole steam stripper.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I purchased my steam stripper about 18 years ago (Earlex Steam Master). I seldom use it these days. I loaned it to a friend a while ago and he mentioned that it has a slight leak. If I identify the location of the leak on the tank, will something like Millput putty work? It says it is good up to 130 degrees C. Presumably, as a steam stripper, there will be no pressure to worry about.

A new tank will cost way more than I paid for the whole steam stripper.

No, I would expect it to just peel away, with the expansion of the tank. Try to work out what plastic type is used, and find an adhesive to match. Better, if you can apply it to to the inner surface.

 

[opps]

No, I would expect it to just peel away, with the expansion of the tank. Try to work out what plastic type is used, and find an adhesive to match. Better, if you can apply it to to the inner surface.

It is a metal tank with a seam half way along its length. I am guessing that the gasket has failed somewhere.

Wagner Earlex Wallpaper Stripper Water Tank Assembly

Fits Wagner Earlex Models Steam Master LMB240 and Pro Steam LCS240

www.simplysparesuk.com

The cost of a new tank is £280!!!

I only recently discovered that the whole steam stripper is £450-£600. I paid £150 all those years ago.

 

[Stivino]

Have you found the source of the leak? Could you solder a patch over the leak?
Is the rest of the vessel sound?

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

It is a metal tank with a seam half way along its length. I am guessing that the gasket has failed somewhere.

In that case, solder, as mentioned above.

 

[opps]

Have you found the source of the leak? Could you solder a patch over the leak?
Is the rest of the vessel sound?

I haven't had a chance to inspect it yet. It is still in the loft of the house of she what kicked me out.

Thanks for the recommendation.

Here is the boiler



Assuming that it is only a few mm long, what would you recommend for the patch?

It looks like there are 3 or 4 screws holding the two sides together. Would soldering be easier than trying to make a new gasket?

I do recall buying liquid gasket years ago. Can't remember why, and never used it. I have never tried making a gasket.

Looking at the images in the link, I guess it could be leaking from the rear, where the heating element goes in.

 

[Stivino]

what would you recommend for the patch?

I think it would be best to inspect it, before recommending how to repair it.
Wait until you are able to hold it.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I do recall buying liquid gasket years ago. Can't remember why, and never used it. I have never tried making a gasket.

A basic gasket, is quite easy. You just find some suitable material, I often use cornflake packet. The method of cutting, depends on the the material your gasket has to work with. Some, you can draw round with a pencil, then cut with scissors, others you may need to grease the metal surface, then use that to mark the profile on the gasket material. Others you can simply and gently tap out, using a small hammer, working around the sharp edge of the metal, to partially cut the gasket. Boltholes can be pierced, with a sharped bit of tube, or sometimes burned with through, with a hot soldering iron.

If the tank itself has developed a pinhole, or split, and it is steel, brass, or copper, you can solder it, or even solder a patch on. For a patch, you can cut out a piece of tin can, but it must be from a steel can, not alloy.

 

[opps]

Cheers guys. Useful info.