Welding concern

[info2x]

This coming summer I'm going to be doing a lot of work on my car, before it gets any worse. This means welding is a must, but here is my problem. What about the gasoline in the gas tank, should I take it out because running high current through the car doesn't make me feel all that safe. Also what about the car electronics will those need any prepping before I strike the first arc? I don't think the rest of the car needs to be prepped, except the weld area obviously.

[mike@af]

Hmmm. I've never welded on a car with electronics and a gas tank in place, except for a few exhaust systems. To be on the safe side you could take out the electronics.

Definately take out the gas tank, and purge the lines.

[info2x]

Crud... That's what I was afraid of.

[duplox]

I don't really think there will be a problem with the gas tank, I've never seen a spark anywhere besides where you're welding. I have heard that you should definately unhook any computers, as welding will most likely fry them. I don't think its as much of an issue on older cars without computers, but things like guages might go screwy.

[info2x]

Ok it seems that removing the gas although not required is an added safety and the battery should be disconnected. What about the grounding wire for the car electronics, should I remove that or would that cause more problems?

[duplox]

Originally Posted by info2x

Ok it seems that removing the gas although not required is an added safety and the battery should be disconnected. What about the grounding wire for the car electronics, should I remove that or would that cause more problems?

I'd just unplug the car's computers entirely. Leave the wires alone, they won't be hurt. Unplug the CD player/radio, windshield wiper delay box, and efi/timing computers. And of course the battery, I can't believe I forgot that...

[CBFryman]

and any other electronics just disconect the ground. current cant come from the + power cable as the battery is disconected.

[Greenblurr93]

current wont ignite the gas, to unless your tank is leaking, you should be fine, as for electronics.. just unplug your battery.

[info2x]

You're right it shouldn't ignite the gas, but I just wanted to hear it from other people as well.

Next time I go home (Feb 18th) I'll be looking in the shop manuals for my car for any discrepancies with what was posted here.

[Greenblurr93]

well think about it, if current ignites gas... then the slightest defect in the wire insulation in you electric sending unit or fuel pump would ignite it, i think automotive companies wouldnt want that kind of liability in MOST of there cars.. and as for the electrical... if there is no juice goin through your wires.. how can it fry anything? just make sure you ground the welder to a spot close to where youre welding and youll be all set.

[info2x]

What about the wire going from the engine block to the body? Should that be removed?

[duplox]

The grounding strap? I can't imagine that will have any negative effects.

[CBFryman]

Actually now that i think about it. it would be safer to have a full tank of gas rather than a tank full of perfectly mixed with oxygen gas fumes...

[info2x]

Oh so that's what the grounding strap is.

As for the gas, you make a very good point.