welding on minibike question

[lalojamesliz]

Can I weld on my minibike with the engine still mounted? Its a plastic gas tank (with gas inside) and I want to weld a nut for a bolt next to the rear axle, some front and rear fenders and extend one of tge foot pegs. I really don't want to remove the engine but if I have to I will....

 

[Stangrcr1]

I have done it....

Would I recommend it? Probably not since you are doing that much. Motors are easy to pull.

 

[Bruceo]

Cover the motor/gas tank with a spark blanket or a wet towel. we weld around gas tanks all the time,As long as you're not welding right next to it you should be ok. Have a fire extinguisher handy,,just in case.

 

[oldfatguy]

Cover the motor/gas tank with a spark blanket or a wet towel. we weld around gas tanks all the time,As long as you're not welding right next to it you should be ok. Have a fire extinguisher handy,,just in case.

good advice, yes cover the engine and tank with a wet towel because even a slight gas leak could catch fire

 

[Stangrcr1]

Or spend 15 minutes and take the engine out and remove the chance of fire....

 

[ogygopsis]

All good suggestions. I'd like to offer one more. Don't get preoccupied with your welding and inadvertently tilt the bike over in order to get a better welding position. Fuel leaking out of the tank will soak the towel and then you'll have a molotov cocktail. Believe it or not; a full tank is less explosive than an empty one. Ogy

 

[Bruceo]

And if you do decide to be lazy and not take the motor off..do it outside..bad enough you might catch on fire,,you don't want to burn down your house also. :laugh:

 

[lalojamesliz]

And if you do decide to be lazy and not take the motor off..do it outside..bad enough you might catch on fire,,you don't want to burn down your house also. :laugh:

Yeah, I just bought it this April......but my house is fully protected.......damn. With all of these good reasons I guess its time to remove it. I didn't want to because 2 of the nuts to secure the engine are almost stripped and its a PITA to remove and then and re install. I haven't gone to buy new ones yet but I finally have some days off from my job so I should be able to now