when welding mild steel to stainless
how important is it to use 309l filler ? .. is that the only one that should be used?
only got 308 around and need to weld a m/s to 304 elbows

 

308 filler will work fine, but 309 would be the "absolute best" choice.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by turbo gli &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">when welding mild steel to stainless
how important is it to use 309l filler ? .. is that the only one that should be used?
only got 308 around and need to weld a m/s to 304 elbows </TD></TR></TABLE>
In most cases, you'll never know the difference. If it has to hold a lot of strength, I'd use 309, but if it is charge pipe or something, 308 will be fine.

I often use 316 for most everything...cause it is good for 316, works fine on lower grades, and it welds a bit better than 308. There's quite a difference in weldability of 308 and 316.

 

would 316 filler be bad for 304 turbo manifolds? if it wouldnt im going to give it a try today.

 

I found it much harder to weld 304 to mild using 316 wire. ER308 wire was easier to weld...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by BmCRace.com &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">would 316 filler be bad for 304 turbo manifolds? if it wouldnt im going to give it a try today.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Somebody may argue that there would be some temperature and/or exansion rate difference, but I don't think you would have any problems with it. I'm actually going to be building a prototype header soon for a local guy. I was originally planning on carbon steel, but decided to just go with stainless. I was unable to find sch 10, 316 in 1.5" pipe elbows, so I went ahead with 304 elbows and 316 pipe. I don't think there will be a problem.

I honestly think that most of the problems that people have with manifolds cracking is due to poor welding, not the chosen material.

 

43645K315 is the part number for schedule 10 1.5" 90 degree bends at mcmaster.com

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Engloid &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I honestly think that most of the problems that people have with manifolds cracking is due to poor welding, not the chosen material.</TD></TR></TABLE>

so aslong as i got good penitration .. any s.s filler rod will work ..

even tho im welding mild steel to stainless ?

ive always seen and read that *quality manifolds* full-race , love fab .. used 309 for welding flanges to collectors and runners to the head flange ?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Engloid &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I often use 316 for most everything...</TD></TR></TABLE>

yep

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by BmCRace.com &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> 43645K315 is the part number for schedule 10 1.5" 90 degree bends at mcmaster.com
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I should send these elbows back and get them to foot the bill for it. I couldn't find them online and they told me on the phone that they didn't have them.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by turbo gli &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">even tho im welding mild steel to stainless ?

ive always seen and read that *quality manifolds* full-race , love fab .. used 309 for welding flanges to collectors and runners to the head flange ? </TD></TR></TABLE>
Well, there's big difference in "will it work" vs "is it the optimal thing." It's like a HF tig machine will work for thin wall tube, but it is not the optimal thing. If I'm not mistaken, FullRace uses carbon steel flanges and stainless pipe....which would account for usage of 309 there. Technically, 309L would be best, as it has a lower carbon content and would give a little bit more elasticity.

For the home hobby welder, 316 will hold stainless to carbon. However, if you're going to be selling an item, or risking lives with it, I'd play it safe and use 309L.