leaky BPI tint unit

**Randy Horton** · 10-21-2009, 01:36 PM

My BPI tint unit has developed some pin holes in the bottom and is leaking heat transfer fluid into the electrical and all over my lab. I was thinking of trying some POR15 or gastank sealer to coat the tank inside and out. Anyonr tried this before. Any other suggestions or tips.

**optical24/7** · 10-21-2009, 01:48 PM

Maybe.....replace the unit???

Oh, welcome to Optiboard!

**Jacqui** · 10-21-2009, 02:04 PM

Replacing is the only option I know of.

**Jana Lewis** · 10-21-2009, 02:14 PM

**Fezz** · 10-21-2009, 02:15 PM

Life is too short to sweat this issue!

Contact a fellow Optiboarder, OpticLabRat. His company can hook you up right quick. They are supporters of Optiboard and come highly recommended!

Leo Hadley Jr.
Sales and Marketing Manager
Vision Systems Inc.
local: 727-934-0130
toll free: 866-934-1030
www.Patternless.com

**Chris Ryser** · 10-21-2009, 02:15 PM

You could use some bubble gum and plug the hole........................

or go without a new tinting unit which will cost you an arm and leg and tint in a microwave oven 100 times faster than the heat transfer system will do.

**bob_f_aboc** · 10-21-2009, 02:23 PM

Originally Posted by Chris Ryser

You could use some bubble gum and plug the hole........................

or go without a new tinting unit which will cost you an arm and leg and tint in a microwave oven 100 times faster than the heat transfer system will do.

39 minutes?? Chris, you're slowing down!

**waynegilpin** · 10-21-2009, 02:25 PM

Before you throw the unit in the trash, you could go to an auto parts store and get a Bondo(?) body filler kit. I'd coat the entire interior. You can be sure that more holes are soon to follow. Not sure how heat resistant it is. Also ask what you could use to patch a radiator. I've known more than a few labs that used auto antifreeze instead of heat transfer fluid in their tint units. You've got little to lose and maybe a few bucks to gain.

Good luck.

**mshimp** · 10-21-2009, 02:30 PM

JB weld

**DragonLensmanWV** · 10-21-2009, 02:36 PM

My old BPI 9-unit developed the same thing. This was before they used stainless steel for the tank, but used aluminum instead, which pitted.
I emptied mine, cleaned it out, let dry and coated the tank with 1/4" of red RTV silicone.
That kept it going for over five more years, until I bought a Phantom tank from Leo.

**Randy Horton** · 10-21-2009, 02:50 PM

This is a stainless steel unit. I'm gonna try coating the tank with some POR 15 I have it the garage. Tint units are too expensive to replace this one if it can be fixed. Works for gas tanks should be resistant enough for HTF. I'll let you know if it works.

**FVCCHRIS** · 10-21-2009, 03:55 PM

Then after you've poured in a new batch of heat transfer fluid- 2 1/2 gallons on my unit, and you get it up to temperature and it still leaks, oh yes and makes your new HTF fouled then what? Add to that all the time involved and replacement mop heads etc. ???

I'd have to agree- time for a new unit. If your's is leaking, and all the electrical got doused I suspect you will shortly have some electrical problems as well. JMHO....:shiner:

**YrahG** · 10-21-2009, 08:58 PM

J.B.Weld or plumbers puty, it works and well.

**Chris Ryser** · 10-22-2009, 03:31 AM

Originally Posted by waynegilpin

I've known more than a few labs that used auto antifreeze instead of heat transfer fluid in their tint units. You've got little to lose and maybe a few bucks to gain.

How cheap can you get ?..........................and put everybodies health in danger because of toxic fumes ?
Same advice as patients buying glasses on line to save a few bucks. :D

**waynegilpin** · 10-22-2009, 09:01 AM

Originally Posted by Chris Ryser

How cheap can you get ?..........................and put everybodies health in danger because of toxic fumes ?
Same advice as patients buying glasses on line to save a few bucks. :D

I was talking about saving money on replacing the unit, not recommending that antifreeze is a good idea. Just have known of places that use it. I'd assume that any repair method that would work on a radiator with antifreeze would also work on a tint unit w/ transfer fluid.

**coupe** · 10-22-2009, 09:12 AM

A good welding shop could TIG WELD the hole closed or weld a patch over the area. Should not be too expensive.

**MELVIN** · 10-22-2009, 10:13 AM

It maybe leaking around the heating element. The nut on the heating element will go out.

**Randy Horton** · 10-26-2009, 04:51 PM

Tried the por-15. It failed miserably. not designed to go on stainless steel I guess. It wouldn't adhere to the metal at all. I called BPI today and they can get me a tank and new elements with insulation for $150.00. New unit is close to $900.00. Not an option.

**FVCCHRIS** · 10-26-2009, 04:57 PM

That's not too bad. Make sure when you install those elements that you have them positioned correctly and don't skimp on the sealer. Are they sending you a couple tubes of sealer also?? Better ask them. Good luck!