Punctured fuel tank -- repair?

[CampWags]

I have suffered a puncture in my fuel tank from a hidden stump! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

I searched the forums and have not found a matching post. I find it hard to believe that I am the only one to have done this.
I have an aproximate 3" puncture that runs straight and looks like the stump has pushed a support brace into the tank and caused the puncture. Is there a way to fix this or will the tank need to be replaced? Thanks.
Gary

 

[CampWags]

I have suffered a puncture in my fuel tank from a hidden stump! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

I searched the forums and have not found a matching post. I find it hard to believe that I am the only one to have done this.
I have an aproximate 3" puncture that runs straight and looks like the stump has pushed a support brace into the tank and caused the puncture. Is there a way to fix this or will the tank need to be replaced? Thanks.
Gary

 

[Billy_S]

What material is your tank made of?

 

[Billy_S]

What material is your tank made of?

 

[Soundguy]

Replaced will always be easier. now.. a 3" puncture? that's a 'gash'.

If it were a metal tank.. you might get it welded, soldered, or brazed.. maybee.. or if it were a single hole.. there are various wash to patch.. some elegant.. some not., including epoxy.

If this is a plastic tank.. i wouldn't trust a gash to be repaired.. even by a place that can weld plastic...

Sorry /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

If anyone else has more options.. I'm sure they will post them..

Soundguy

 

[Soundguy]

Replaced will always be easier. now.. a 3" puncture? that's a 'gash'.

If it were a metal tank.. you might get it welded, soldered, or brazed.. maybee.. or if it were a single hole.. there are various wash to patch.. some elegant.. some not., including epoxy.

If this is a plastic tank.. i wouldn't trust a gash to be repaired.. even by a place that can weld plastic...

Sorry /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

If anyone else has more options.. I'm sure they will post them..

Soundguy

 

[woodchuckie]

I would look for an epoxy made for that application at an auto parts store. I've had good luck using it on my radiator. It only cost four or five dollars and you haven't lost much if it doesn't work.

 

[woodchuckie]

I would look for an epoxy made for that application at an auto parts store. I've had good luck using it on my radiator. It only cost four or five dollars and you haven't lost much if it doesn't work.

 

[CampWags]

Good Ideas Guys. The tank is metal and is, as I just found out actually two tanks. There is the filler side on the drivers left hand side and the "sending unit" side on the right. I have been told I could pull the sending tube and plug it up and then use the left hand tank being carefull not to run out of fuel. This of course would only be a temporary fix untill I get the tank fixed. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I've been told that if something doesn't break from time to time then you are not using it hard enough! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Thanks,
Gary

 

[CampWags]

Good Ideas Guys. The tank is metal and is, as I just found out actually two tanks. There is the filler side on the drivers left hand side and the "sending unit" side on the right. I have been told I could pull the sending tube and plug it up and then use the left hand tank being carefull not to run out of fuel. This of course would only be a temporary fix untill I get the tank fixed. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I've been told that if something doesn't break from time to time then you are not using it hard enough! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Thanks,
Gary

 

[john_bud]

Campwags,

I fixed a similar, but smaller hole in a diesel tank last fall. There are several products out just for this. I used one from Permetex. It is a system with a resin and fiberglass patch like doing body repair. Then there is an overcoat material. It has been holding up fine with no signs of leaks and it takes an overcoat of paint well, too.


With that said, you might want to have a patch welded onto it that is larger than the gash. No epoxy based solution will hold up long if it has to bridge a large space. The vibrations will break it down over time. As tanks do explode and injure people, you should have a professional do the repair, unless you have access to the proper safety equipment.

jb

 

[john_bud]

Campwags,

I fixed a similar, but smaller hole in a diesel tank last fall. There are several products out just for this. I used one from Permetex. It is a system with a resin and fiberglass patch like doing body repair. Then there is an overcoat material. It has been holding up fine with no signs of leaks and it takes an overcoat of paint well, too.


With that said, you might want to have a patch welded onto it that is larger than the gash. No epoxy based solution will hold up long if it has to bridge a large space. The vibrations will break it down over time. As tanks do explode and injure people, you should have a professional do the repair, unless you have access to the proper safety equipment.

jb

 

[Cityboyfarmer]

I repaired a punctured fuel tank last September and it is still holding. Granted, mine is plastic, but the two-part epoxy I bought at NAPA for $4.00 worked great. It might work on metal if you clean it carefully and take your time and let it fully cure. Of course, the best way is to replace the tank. I consider my repair "temporary", but I think I will see just how long it lasts. Here is a link to my thread with photos:

Fuel Tank Repair

 

[Cityboyfarmer]

I repaired a punctured fuel tank last September and it is still holding. Granted, mine is plastic, but the two-part epoxy I bought at NAPA for $4.00 worked great. It might work on metal if you clean it carefully and take your time and let it fully cure. Of course, the best way is to replace the tank. I consider my repair "temporary", but I think I will see just how long it lasts. Here is a link to my thread with photos:

Fuel Tank Repair

 

[Doc_Bob]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I repaired a punctured fuel tank last September and it is still holding. Granted, mine is plastic, but the two-part epoxy I bought at NAPA for $4.00 worked great. It might work on metal if you clean it carefully and take your time and let it fully cure. Of course, the best way is to replace the tank. I consider my repair "temporary", but I think I will see just how long it lasts. Here is a link to my thread with photos:

Fuel Tank Repair )</font>

Nice repair!
Bob

 

[Doc_Bob]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I repaired a punctured fuel tank last September and it is still holding. Granted, mine is plastic, but the two-part epoxy I bought at NAPA for $4.00 worked great. It might work on metal if you clean it carefully and take your time and let it fully cure. Of course, the best way is to replace the tank. I consider my repair "temporary", but I think I will see just how long it lasts. Here is a link to my thread with photos:

Fuel Tank Repair )</font>

Nice repair!
Bob