OKJ Hyland sealant questions

[Laxdfns]

Hey all-

First post, I have an OKJ Hyland offset that I am planning on stripping of the paint (since its all discoloring and flaking) and then I want to seal the usual suspect spots. I already have gaskets and latches on for the cook chamber, but I want to seal up where the chamber meets the smoke stack, the firebox halves, and the area where firebox meets chamber.

I haven't noticed a particularly large amount of leakage from the firebox areas, but i figure if I am already stripping all the paint, why not reinforce, right?

So the questions are this: should I find an actual person to weld up my firebox and stack areas, use something like JB Weld, or just use the lavalock silcone sealant?
AND
What is needed to prep the areas for each, and can all of them be painted over well? Ive been told lavlock sealant doesnt hold paint well, and not a fan of the red.

Thanks in advance for your insights!

 

[johnmeyer]

Regular JB Weld doesn't work at high temperatures. More importantly, the "Extreme Heat" version is not up to the amazing standard set by the regular JB Wel.

Read this post, from last year in this forum:

Using JB Weld Extreme Heat instead of welding....

The OP in that thread was asking almost the same question you are asking, so you might read all the answers while you are waiting for more replies here. I love the regular JB Weld, but as you'll see from that thread (and the threads I link to in my post in that thread), the "Extreme Heat" version is totally different and in my limited experience, doesn't work well.

[edit]Not to beat it into the ground, but here's another thread on JB Weld Extreme Heat that should give you more insight into its performance for the repair you are considering:

Hi-Temp JBWeld repair

 

[Laxdfns]

Hey John-

Saw that post earlier this morning prior to writing the question, as well as your post, and its something I took into consideration as a result, but also have read quite a few successes with the extreme heat stuff, or a similar product. So I figure I'd still consider it for the sake of this question.

The other question that you might be able to help with in the meantime is what prep work needs to be done in the areas applying the stuff? Just sanded down, and then apply to the exterior?

Thanks again for the fast reply in the meantime.

 

[6GRILLZNTN]

If you know someone with a welder, offer to trade some "Q" for the weld job. If not, I know there are some high temp RTV sealants that would work, but I'm not sure how well paint will stick to them.

 

[johnmeyer]

The other question that you might be able to help with in the meantime is what prep work needs to be done in the areas applying the stuff? Just sanded down, and then apply to the exterior?

Since you read some of my posts, you'll know that I only used the "Extreme" Liquid Weld once, and it was a 100% failure. I prepped as I would any other gluing project, roughing up the surfaces, and then making sure all sanding residue and dirt was removed.

I second the advice to find someone who can weld and pay them a few bucks to do the work. I'm down to just a little MAP gas welder and actually used it this morning. However, it is only for really small jobs and fairly small pieces.

You could also rent a welder and do it yourself. I learned welding in a high school shop class back in the 1960s, both arc and gas, and for really basic stuff, it isn't too hard. Of course, like everything else, to do it well requires a lot of practice, and the really good welders produce work that is absolutely amazing.

 

[Jonok]

If you know someone with a welder, offer to trade some "Q" for the weld job. If not, I know there are some high temp RTV sealants that would work, but I'm not sure how well paint will stick to them.

+1 on the welder. A little judiciously applied 6013 goes a long way, and there ain’t much prep involved.

 

[Laxdfns]

Thanks all for your help. I ended up biting the bullet and found a friend who welded the firebox. I also used lavalock silicone to seal the gap between the chamber and the stack. First use to see how it all works will be this weekend!