Cracked Cooler Box

[Qs]

I seem to have managed to crack my cooler box mash tun right on the bottom of it. There is definitely liquid getting through and while I could probably compensate for a little slow leak for a while I'm more worried about wort thats been absorbed by the insulation that seems to be coming back into the tun when I poke it a bit. I do not want that dirty liquid getting in any future brews.

So can I do anything to brew with this before I get a new cooler box? Can I put electrical tape on it, aquariums glue, etc? Any other ideas on getting another brew or two out of it before I replace it?

[Garry]

I'd try Tec-7.

[Qs]

I was looking at that tube when I was making the MLT actually but couldn't figure out if it was safe at mashing temps.

[Shanna]

I'd try Tec-7.

Sorry guys Tec7 is not recommended for this purpose as its not food safe, it can just about handle the temps but it contains some rather unpleasant chemicals.. This issue came up before see http://www.nationalhomebrewclub.com/forum/index.php?topic=3147.0.

Take a look at the following thread that Greg started re sealants where I included a few links to food safe sealants. http://www.nationalhomebrewclub.com/forum/index.php/topic,5984.msg75789.html#msg75789

Personally I would not bother with trying to seal it and just invest in a new mashtun. Your going have to do it anyway and if the mashtun is cracked the combined weight of the grain/liquid on the breach will probably just cause it widen over time sealant or no sealant.

Shanna

[Qs]

I think you might be right Shanna. Last brew was a 7% IPA and it was almost overflowing anyway. May as well upgrade while I'm at it.

[Shanna]

I think you might be right Shanna. Last brew was a 7% IPA and it was almost overflowing anyway. May as well upgrade while I'm at it.

You can always wash it out, let it dry and use it as storage or as a picnic cooler.

Shanna

[Qs]

What about the big hole I drilled in it for the spigot?

[johnrm]

It's broken, dump it, buy a new one.
That or use it to store your specialty malts.

[Shanna]

What about the big hole I drilled in it for the spigot?

Take out the spiggot and fill it with expanda foam. Then use it for storing your malt.

Shanna

[Qs]

So I said feck it and invested in a new better cooler. Got a 52qt Coleman Xtreme. Hopefully it'll last me for years of brewing.