my 8hp briggs has a brass float and has a hole in it. not from rust but from a dent. is there a way to pattch up the hole or do i have to buy a new one?

my 8hp briggs has a brass float and has a hole in it. not from rust but from a dent. is there a way to pattch up the hole or do i have to buy a new one?

solder.

You could try soldering it. If you do be sure there is no gas in the float.
Dean

so i just melt soldering wire onto the holes?

You also need to remember that using solder will also add to the weight of the float. If your careful it won't add much, but you need to watch for the float over filling the bowl with gas.

alright i'm going to try it today.

Just make sure that before you actually try and solder it that you clean up the area so it's bright and shiny with a 'Scotch-Brite' pad, soft wire wheel, light sandpaper, etc. Also, you will need to make sure that you use some solder paste or a solder with either acid or rosin core(either will work in this application). Plain solder (ie 50/50 or 60/40) with no core will not stick by itself unless paste is applied first.

Finally, remember that you must get the surface to be soldered up to the melting temp of the solder so it flows on smoothly and adheres. Otherwise, if you just melt the solder over the hole and surface is colder, it won't seal or stick.

When you're done, submerge the float in water and look for escaping bubbles. You can also shake it after being submerged and usually tell if there's fluid inside!

Good luck!

Don't be supprised when you are attempting to fix these holes that the other solder on the float comes loose. Spend the $3.00 for a new one and save yourself a lot of headaches. Have a good one. Geo

yeah i think i'll buy a new one. how do you think floats get all dented up in the first place?

Usually it's caused by a hammer. :p

When the float is manufactured, if all the air is not extracted when it's soldered together, when it cools enough a vacuum is created and can in some instances cause the float to be drawn inwards.

this engine looks like it was messed with before i got it because there is no gasket on the float bowl like it was lost. plus the keys for the wheels were both broken off.oh well, atleast the engine runs good.