Topic: Inner Cylinder Leak Repair

[W Thomas]

We received a little over 1/2 inch of rain over the night which was the first rain here in better than 7 days. Anyway when I read the CoCORaHS collector this morning I found I had developed a leak at the seam near the bottom. No collected water was lost due to the outer cylinder catching the flow which was a good thing

Has anyone had any luck repairing a leak in this location?  I was thinking some epoxy placed at the exact leak spot might take care of it but before I botch up the one I have and have to order a replacement I 'd check the masses here for a valid repair


Thanks!

[wxtech]

I verified that it is "Constructed of heavy-duty, UV resistant polycarbonate" as described on the manufacturers site @ http://www.paiff.org/precision-rain-gauges.php.
I have heard that polycarb needs special surface prep and the appropriate adhesive.
I think the surface prep is cleaning with 91% alcohol and roughing the surface.
Try Weld-On #16 or their epoxies #55, 58.  I haven't tried these.  Let us know what works.

[tomcj2]

I have used Weld-On #16.  It is clear, thin enough to flow easily and sets up quickly.  I did not clean it in any special way, and it worked fine.

[port1]

  If it's a small opening in the seam, plain ol' clear silicone can be forced in the joint with your finger.  It should allow for expansion and contraction to a certain point.

What's the age of your gauge?  Might be due for a replacement of the inner collection tube?

Henry

[SlowModem]

wrap some duct tape around it   

[W Thomas]

I verified that it is "Constructed of heavy-duty, UV resistant polycarbonate" as described on the manufacturers site @ http://www.paiff.org/precision-rain-gauges.php.
I have heard that polycarb needs special surface prep and the appropriate adhesive.
I think the surface prep is cleaning with 91% alcohol and roughing the surface.
Try Weld-On #16 or their epoxies #55, 58.  I haven't tried these.  Let us know what works.

This collector is less than 1 year old and appears the leak is in the near center of the bottom.
What I have tried so far is cleaning as you mentioned and have applied a clear epoxy( 2 part)

All this took place within the last few hours and is beginning to harden completely now..

I'll know in a few hours if it worked or not 

[W Thomas]

If it's a small opening in the seam, plain ol' clear silicone can be forced in the joint with your finger.  It should allow for expansion and contraction to a certain point.

What's the age of your gauge?  Might be due for a replacement of the inner collection tube?

Henry

This one is less than 1 year old. It has always had what appeared as a casting defect in the area that now leaks.
Coverage or replacement would definitely be nice         Hopefully my 2 part epoxy fix will hold in case there is no
warranty claim

[port1]

  O.K. Wayne...good luck with the repair.  Only a year old?  Bummer...but it appears you have the repair under control, sir!
 

Henry

[W Thomas]

O.K. Wayne...good luck with the repair.  Only a year old?  Bummer...but it appears you have the repair under control, sir!
 

Henry

Thanks Henry!!  I hope I have LOL!!
Anyway it appears that the fix is holding...water that is
I used Permatex PermaPoxy 2 part 5 minute Epoxy which dries almost clear and applied it on the bottom of the cylinder and allowed to harden.

So far so good!!  If it don't hold Greg had the right idea... Duct tape!!  That is the generic fix all 

[sam2004gp]

So far so good!!  If it don't hold Greg had the right idea... Duct tape!!  That is the generic fix all 

Yep it can fix anything.