bushnut Posted September 16, 2014 Share Posted September 16, 2014 If I am going to weld a couple of patches on my rocker panels and fender, should I unplug the ECU or is just removing the positive connector on the battery good enough? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpecialWarr Posted September 17, 2014 Share Posted September 17, 2014 Definitely unplug the ECU, the risk of getting a short somehow somewhere faAArrrr outweighs the trouble of unplugging the ECU. I have one friend that claimed that he'd welded his Golf before without doing it but he was playing with fire and he knew it. I personally have done it but I forgot to unplug the ECU and the level of power I was using was the lowest setting, maybe that saved me, maybe it was the polarity of machine. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamzan Posted September 17, 2014 Share Posted September 17, 2014 I've welded quite a few pathfinder frames without unplugging anything, and never had any problems. But maybe I'm just a lucky guy... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted September 17, 2014 Share Posted September 17, 2014 IIRC I unhooked the negative battery terminal before my uncle welded on my rig, and had no issues. Oddly, my friend did the same on his van when I welded on it, and it ran like crap afterwards for maybe a minute, then cleared out and ran perfectly normal afterwards. I've heard it's the pulse action of a TIG setup that kills ECUs, but I don't have any data to back tha tup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terranovation Posted September 17, 2014 Share Posted September 17, 2014 I used to TIG weld many exhaust systems on a wide range of vehicles and never had any issues of chips malfunctioning. Ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k9sar Posted September 18, 2014 Share Posted September 18, 2014 I MIG weld my frame fairly frequently. Never had any issues... though my radio periodically doesn't work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manik Posted September 18, 2014 Share Posted September 18, 2014 Just disconnect the negative battery cable, turn your lights and ignition switch to the run position for a minute. That will take care of any residual charge that might remain in the electrical system. Turn it all back to the off position then your free to weld. Just be sure that your ground clamp is close to the area your welding and clean, bare steel. You won't have any issues. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manik Posted September 18, 2014 Share Posted September 18, 2014 Ground on clean bare steel, is what I meant. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpecialWarr Posted September 18, 2014 Share Posted September 18, 2014 We don't have any clean bare steel here in the east!! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nunya Posted September 18, 2014 Share Posted September 18, 2014 My welder access is a MIG, can't say I've ever unhooked anything that wasn't directly in the way of where I was working. Only issues I know of were catching myself on fire on a couple occasions from spark throwback 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bushnut Posted September 18, 2014 Author Share Posted September 18, 2014 well the project when Ok. Though it is fugly. I had to reinforce the strut tower on the drivers side under the air cleaner. that seam was mostly cancer. I welded in a couple of pieces of 3mm steel. I won't post pics because of how messy they are. (it was my first time MIG welding) I'm happy with the penetration I got. this will just delay the end. It should get me 3-5 years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nunya Posted September 19, 2014 Share Posted September 19, 2014 Hey, gorilla welds can get the job done as well. You don't get better by NOT doing it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kdj Posted September 19, 2014 Share Posted September 19, 2014 Hope it works out for you...gotta keep Durga safe! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamzan Posted September 19, 2014 Share Posted September 19, 2014 Considering you can hold the piece of metal you're welding with your bare hand. I don't think it's an issue. Not too close to the metal obviously lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aw12345 Posted September 19, 2014 Share Posted September 19, 2014 Get the ground clamp as close as possible to what you are weldinñg and you will be fine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k9sar Posted September 19, 2014 Share Posted September 19, 2014 My welder access is a MIG, can't say I've ever unhooked anything that wasn't directly in the way of where I was working. Only issues I know of were catching myself on fire on a couple occasions from spark throwback LOL been there way too many times Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k9sar Posted September 19, 2014 Share Posted September 19, 2014 grind... weld... grind... spray with undercoat. easy peasy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bushnut Posted September 19, 2014 Author Share Posted September 19, 2014 Yes anyone can cook to pieces of metal together in some way or another, but WELDING I now truly believe is an art from. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpecialWarr Posted September 21, 2014 Share Posted September 21, 2014 Yea...it takes seat time just like lacing a wheel. The more you do it the better you get if you work at it. Keep an eye on the weld pattern and listen to the sound of the welding while your at it. It should sound like bacon frying on the stove and your bead shouldn't have any sharp edges... a clean surface is of primary importance! After that just lay a bead wherever you see a gap! Except maybe at the door line..... maybe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nunya Posted September 21, 2014 Share Posted September 21, 2014 ...unless your trying to make the Duke boys proud! (Or an enduro car) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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