Hole in fuel tank

Cougsfan · Aug 3, 2019

When I filled my 4720 CH with fuel today, I noticed that there is a pin hole sized leak in my plastic fuel tank. It is bad enough to cause a drip every few seconds. Fortunately it is up high on the goose neck, so it will only leak maybe a quart or so out if I fill it up to the brim. Not sure how I got it, but I have been mowing some REALLY heavy weeds on some land I have never been on before and have hit a few hidden items. Anyhow I definitely plan to fix it and am not really thinking I need to buy a new tank. Any suggestions on what might be the best way to patch it?

radios1 · Aug 4, 2019

use a plastic welder with high-density polyethylene HDPE sticks. something like this. https://www.amazon.com/Density-Polyethylene-Plastic-Welding-diameter/dp/B0007L7B5Y

ruffdog · Aug 4, 2019

A critter chewed a hole in my woodsplitter's fuel tank (briggs). I tried a few different types of epoxy but it would always start leaking. After buying a new tank, I thought I would try to weld it with my soldering gun. I used the flat blade and used clean oil jug pieces for filler rod. It worked like a charm and years later, still have not installed the new tank.

PILOON · Aug 4, 2019

I have used hot glue gun and the 1/2" glue sticks with good success on many poly things including fuel tanks.
Fusing with a soldering iron has also provided reasonable results.

wwdiii · Aug 4, 2019

if its a pin hold, get a self tapping screw with rubber on it, like for a metal roof. shoot some RTV around it and good to go.

Cougsfan · Aug 10, 2019

I tried the hot glue gun approach. It was easy, and the glue can be removed if it doesn't work in the long run. It seems to have worked fine. I have been mowing tall weeds for several days now and it has stayed in place and seems to have stopped any leaking. If it fails I will try the more extreme measures. Thanks for the suggestions.