With all the rain, boredom quickly sets in. Decided to see if I could make my own refillable spray cans using the fluids of my choice. I know you can purchase these at HF, but want to see if I could make my own.
The first step was to take the old valves from replacement of cracked ones on the old pickup (never throw anything away, might use it someday). Burned off the rubber after removing the cores, then polished with 400 sand paper. Cleaned with isopropyl alcohol, then tinned with rosin core solder and additional past flux.
Second step was to drill a hole in top sidewall of can, slightly smaller than valve stem, just below the plastic valve depression in top of can. Removed burrs at hole and polished area around hole with 400 sand paper. Cleaned with isopropyl alcohol, then tinned with rosin core solder with additional paste flux.
Next step was to screw the valve stem into the hole in can. With the smaller hole and solder coating, the valve stem screwed tightly into the hole. Cleaned with isopropyl alcohol, then soldered the stem to the can with same soldering procedure. Was very careful to keep propane torch flame away from the plastic valve area in top of can. Filled the top depression for valve with water to help block heat.
Let cool, inserted valve core, and pressure tested all 3 cans. The factory cans are rated to 200 psig and are generally filled with propellant to 100-110 psig. Set air compressor discharge pipe regulator at 100 psig and filled cans with compressed air. 2 were fine but had a pin hole in third that had to be resoldered and repeat pressure test.
Removed valve core slowly to exhaust air, then filled with fluids of my choice. I filled the cans to their original weight using kitchen food scales. Converted weights to grams for more accuracy (grams=liquid weight oz x 454/16). Fluid filling very slow as air has to vent as liquid displaces can volume. I used an old manual oil can with a small spout that would not seal with opening in valve body. Reinsert valve core and pressurized cans with compressed air.
The first spray can was for my home made starting fluid for the diesel tractor, 75% diesel and 25% gasoline. This gives a nice rolling start in 5-10 seconds in zero weather, not the harsh clatter if using Ether. Everything worked great. When the spray can starts to put ou a liquid stream instead of spray, I give it a shot of air.
Nice to know that the old dog still has a few tricks left.
The first step was to take the old valves from replacement of cracked ones on the old pickup (never throw anything away, might use it someday). Burned off the rubber after removing the cores, then polished with 400 sand paper. Cleaned with isopropyl alcohol, then tinned with rosin core solder and additional past flux.
Second step was to drill a hole in top sidewall of can, slightly smaller than valve stem, just below the plastic valve depression in top of can. Removed burrs at hole and polished area around hole with 400 sand paper. Cleaned with isopropyl alcohol, then tinned with rosin core solder with additional paste flux.
Next step was to screw the valve stem into the hole in can. With the smaller hole and solder coating, the valve stem screwed tightly into the hole. Cleaned with isopropyl alcohol, then soldered the stem to the can with same soldering procedure. Was very careful to keep propane torch flame away from the plastic valve area in top of can. Filled the top depression for valve with water to help block heat.
Let cool, inserted valve core, and pressure tested all 3 cans. The factory cans are rated to 200 psig and are generally filled with propellant to 100-110 psig. Set air compressor discharge pipe regulator at 100 psig and filled cans with compressed air. 2 were fine but had a pin hole in third that had to be resoldered and repeat pressure test.
Removed valve core slowly to exhaust air, then filled with fluids of my choice. I filled the cans to their original weight using kitchen food scales. Converted weights to grams for more accuracy (grams=liquid weight oz x 454/16). Fluid filling very slow as air has to vent as liquid displaces can volume. I used an old manual oil can with a small spout that would not seal with opening in valve body. Reinsert valve core and pressurized cans with compressed air.
The first spray can was for my home made starting fluid for the diesel tractor, 75% diesel and 25% gasoline. This gives a nice rolling start in 5-10 seconds in zero weather, not the harsh clatter if using Ether. Everything worked great. When the spray can starts to put ou a liquid stream instead of spray, I give it a shot of air.
Nice to know that the old dog still has a few tricks left.