Propane torch flames out while repairing aluminum

[KMinAF]

I am working on a cast aluminum housing that was damaged and needs a couple of cracks welded. To preheat the piece, I placed it on my propane BBQ grill. When I try to bring the damaged area up to welding temperature with a propane torch, the flame (torch) keeps going out. The torch works fine until I use it over the grill. I am guessing this is happening due to lack of oxygen?

Also would appreciate other ideas on how to preheat the aluminum housing using commonly found house hold "tools"

 

[Spareparts]

I have heated aluminum on a charcoal grill, I have also melted such casting's on the same grill

 

[MoonRise]

You typically do not have to preheat aluminum pieces. Room temperature is usually just fine for aluminum.

Unlike when you sometimes want/need to preheat steel or cast iron pieces before welding (or brazing) them.

You are sticking a plumber's type 'propane' torch tip over/into a lit and hot propane BBQ grill? And the propane torch flame is going out?

Just what are you trying to repair? Size and weight and how much has to be repaired?

And "welding" with a plumber's type propane torch on some aluminum? What filler are you using?

Or are you trying to do an 'alumi-weld' type of fix? Which is typically closer to brazing than welding, btw.

 

[ericlar80]

It needs both oxygen and gas to keep burning... If the gas is still flowing, then you are somehow starving it of oxygen.

 

[KMinAF]

You typically do not have to preheat aluminum pieces. Room temperature is usually just fine for aluminum.

Unlike when you sometimes want/need to preheat steel or cast iron pieces before welding (or brazing) them.

You are sticking a plumber's type 'propane' torch tip over/into a lit and hot propane BBQ grill? And the propane torch flame is going out?

Just what are you trying to repair? Size and weight and how much has to be repaired?

And "welding" with a plumber's type propane torch on some aluminum? What filler are you using?

Or are you trying to do an 'alumi-weld' type of fix? Which is typically closer to brazing than welding, btw.

Its more of a brazing/ alumi weld type repair to a cast aluminum housing, there are three breaks that are about an inch and a half long. I didn't think to turn the grill off, doh