Welding Leaking Pipe?

[uniballer]

Last time I had to weld a leaking pipe all I had on hand was an old AC welder and some E6013. What a mess that was. Now I have a less old DialArc 250 AC/DC, and am wondering if there is a rod that is better for welding steel pipe in the presence of water. Any ideas?

[oldtimer]

Posted this once and lost my ISP connection so I'll try again. 6011 is the best rod I ever found and I repaired leaks on oilfield injection systems for over 30 years. All 6011 isn't created equal. ESAB 6011 worked better for me than any other. Use 3/32" rod on DC reverse just like 6010. Turn the amps up up to maintain your arc. The water will keep the rod from overheating so you can run a lot more amps than normal. It's kind of a feel thing for each leak. If it's spluttering and sticking you aren't hot enough.

[uniballer]

Thanks, oldtimer. That is exactly the kind of information I needed. I picked up some 3/32" 6011 today. It's by Lincoln, though.

[oldtimer]

Lincoln 6011 will work fine. Heck, by now they may have as smooth an arc as ESAB's does. It's been years since I've tried Lincoln 6011. It is the only Lincoln rod I never cared for. 7018, I want Excalibur. 6010, I want Lincoln +P. 7024, Lincoln Jetweld.

[Jonesy70]

When I have been in those positions, usually welding Glycal lines...I fired it in there with 5p or 5p+ I would run a quick down hill pass on either side of the leak just to build the base metal. If its a new beveled joint then as old timer said, turn up the heat and push root in past the water