Bicycle Mechanics - sealing steel tubes

I just got a new chromoly frame, which I am in the process of treating with JP Weigle's Frame Saver. I have noticed that the only breather hole in the chainstay tubes is inside the bottom bracket shell. It seems that this tube was not meant to get water in it to "breath". My questions are 1) should I seal up this hole after applying JPs, and 2) what is the best method to seal it? I was thinking of using silicon culk, or possibly JB Weld epoxy "putty". Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

i don't think sealing the tube is necessary, it might cause BB problems(if your not using a sealed BB) when it chips off, etc. Is it a lugged or welded frame?

TIG welded 4130 chromo. I've throught about interference with the BB, which seems to be a good argument for the culking. The BB is sealed.

I think it would be best to leave it open as any moisture in the tube when you close it will eventually condense and settle in the bottom of the tube. Plus, if the guys that made the frame thought it was a good idea to close it up they would probably do it.

Sealing the breather holes is never a good idea. What happens if you were to get moisture in through your seat post, or through the headtube? Then, you'll have moisture sitting in your BB, diluting the lubrication, and rusting the BB shell. Quick way to ruin a frame.

Following is a quote from Independent Fabrication data sheet: "All tubes are sealed except the seat tube to minimize corrosion and enhance frame longevity".

The difference is that IF seals the holes at the time of build in what I would assume is a dry environment. Sealing them after the fact could seal something bad inside the tube.

DEMON

You are absolutelly correct that it could be screwed up, however, trapping in moisture is quite obvious issue. If Mtn Mike treated the inside of the tubes with anti-corosives, and does his sealing in an appropriate dry environment, and seals them all and properly, why there would be any appreciable difference. Of course some of the tube ends maybe difficult to reach after a bike is assembled, it it is certainly not impossible or implausible.

Thanks for all the good responces.

As ComPH said, I have treated the tubes with anti-rust compound, and would seal the tubes in a dry environment (the frame is brand new, just out of the box), and at that, just the seat stays would be sealed.

Never the less, the over all consensus is that sealing tubes is not a good idea, so I have decided to leave them open. JBW treatment is neat stuff, although messy, and I can highly recommend it after trying it.

Thanks again for all the replys.

I just got a new chromoly frame, which I am in the process of treating with JP Weigle's Frame Saver. I have noticed that the only breather hole in the chainstay tubes is inside the bottom bracket shell. It seems that this tube was not meant to get water in it to "breath". My questions are 1) should I seal up this hole after applying JPs, and 2) what is the best method to seal it? I was thinking of using silicon culk, or possibly JB Weld epoxy "putty". Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

I would tell you not to seal up the chain stay holes. Just apply the Frame Saver liberally in there and it should be fine. The chain stays are angled downward so anything that may get in there will not stay.

Frame Saver is very good stuff and, if applied properly, does a terrific job of protecting your frame. You should re-apply it once a year. When you apply it, do it outside of your living area, it is smelly! It is also quite runny until it starts to set up, so put newspapers or a cloth underneath the frame.