How best to patch rust holes?

[volvoguy87]

I've been dealing with a bit of rust-through in outer tubs lately and I'd like to know how best to address it.

I've got a TOL 1983 GE Filter Flo mentioned in another thread with a pencil-eraser-sized rust hole in the sump area of the outer tub. It is not near any hose connections. My other machine is a Maytag A107 with a small hole in the outer tub next to the tub-to-pump hose nipple.

I was advised in the GE thread to look into using fiberglass tape to make the repair, then give the machine a healthy dose of POR-15. I've never approached a repair this way before. How should I do this, and especially what sort of prep should I do?

As for the Maytag A107, I am putting this washer in service at a friend's house. I am afraid that a layered fiberglass tape repair may either restrict flow though the tub-to-pump hose nipple or result in a buildup of material on the outside of the tub in such a way that the hose cannot properly seat and seal on the nipple. Should I just use some 2-part plumber's epoxy putty and POR-15? My primary concern is that the nipple may try to flex slightly (hose wants to stay still, tub is moving around on its suspension). I don't want any flexing of this area to cause the repair to fail prematurely.

I have little experience with rust, and no experience patching holes. If anyone can give some instructions or post links to instructions, especially with pictures, I would be VERY thankful!

Thank you all,
Dave

The link is to the original thread on the GE.

GE Filter Flo with a rust hole, help?

I recently acquired an odd GE Filter Flo that is in decent cosmetic shape. It's a higher-end model and it lacks wash and rinse temp selection, instead it's all controlled by the cycle selection buttons on the left. I shall post pics after I get home from work. It looks like a larger capacity...

www.automaticwasher.org

 

[triumphtoledo]

Rust

The main problem with rust is that, if you cover over it with fibreglass and paint, the corrosion will continue to spread under the coatings, before lifting them off and you ending up with an even bigger hole.

The best way is to cut away any major corrosion, grind away any brown pitting and welding-in new metal of an equivalent thickness to that used originally. Protect the new metal with a decent quality two-pack coating.

That’s the best way. Any other method may be adequate but would be compromised.

R

 

[lorainfurniture]

Clean the rust 100%, once cleaned paint with por 15. At that point, any decent waterproof patch on the inside of the tub will last forever.

I use 3m sealant, the stuff that comes with the speed queen tubs seals. I apply a layer of roofing mesh. Just a small patch about 2x the size of the hole. This method will work up to a quarter sized hole.

Anything bigger you will likely need to get some metal involved

 

[ken]

If using POR 15 it is actually recommended you do not clean 100% of the rust off. Just any lose or flaking rust. POR 15 is advertised as bonding better to rusted metal vs clean metal.

 

[lorainfurniture]

That's not exactly true. Por bonds very well to rust, but the rust is not really bonded to the metal anymore. Some of my best por paint job success stories have been to freshly sandblasted metal.

As long as the surface is kind of rough, the paint will adhere very well

 

[mattl]

What is the smallest container of POR 15?  I see quarts for $37, little pricey when you only need a dab.

 

[gyrafoam]

POR is a great product and the manufacturer knows it. It can be hard to work with and dehydrates quickly. I never buy anything but small cans of it because I know once a can is opened I might as well use it all up.

 

[lorainfurniture]

Look on their website, you can buy a six pack of small cans

 

[ken]

That's why I stated loose and flaking rust. The surface has to be solid but does not need to be down to clean, bare metal. This was one of the attributes the makers of POR 15 were looking to meet when developing the paint so the work of having to remove 100% of the rust could be avoided. They state on their website that POR 15 adheres better to a rusty surface than clean metal. I wasn't saying to leave metal that was in scales and ready to fall off in place.