Oil & Fuel punctured fuel tank

[jam2004]

It turns out my fuel leak is not like rubudub's post at all. A pair of small hedge clippers I had got wedged between the lift arms of the tractor and the fuel tank (they were stored in a Home Depot tool belt I have tied around the seat) duh?????. When I lowered the lift arms, the clippers came out leaving a quarter inch incision in the tank and about 4.5 gallons of diesel on the transmission and rear of the tractor and later on the driveway. Is there a way it can be patched or am I looking at replacing the fuel tank?

 

[Scrounger]

The tank is ABS plastic like a on highway vehicle. The tanks for cars and trucks can't be patched, but I have seen the ABS tanks welded closed with ABS specific welding glue. We did this on a snowcat used to groom snowmobile trails. Its worth a shot before you buy a new tank. You just have to make sure the glue you use is not messed up by the diesel fuel.

 

[Junkman]

Rough up the incision with some course sandpaper, and then "degrease" with some enamel reducer. Mix up some epoxy and smear on the incision. Let it cure for a day or two and it should be as good as new.

 

[jam2004]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Rough up the incision with some course sandpaper, and then "degrease" with some enamel reducer. Mix up some epoxy and smear on the incision. Let it cure for a day or two and it should be as good as new. )</font>



Thanks for the guidance. What does "degrease" mean and where can I buy "enamel reducer" and the correct epoxy? What is ABS welding glue?

jam

 

[woodchuckie]

Look at your local Autozone etc. They have epoxy for all applications. Find the one that fits your needs and follow the instructions. I recently was able to repair my busted radiator this way. Saved me close to $300.

 

[sandyc]

You can use denatured alcohol as a degreaser. (rubbing alcohol)

 

[jam2004]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( You can use denatured alcohol as a degreaser. (rubbing alcohol) )</font>

Woodchuckie-

Any problems with the fluid in your radiator breaking down the epoxy? What about diesel?

jam

 

[jam2004]

What do you all think about this:

http://www.midwayauto.us/detailedproductdescription.asp?4499

 

[Junkman]

degrease means to get rid of all traces of the diesel fuel. Do this before you rough up the surface. Enamel reducer can be had at any place that sells automobile paint supplies. Also good for removing tar from the finish of the car. I use Metalset A4. Here is a Google page that might help you... web page If you have more questions, just drop me a note...... Junk.....

 

[woodchuckie]

VersaChem is the same brand of radiator epoxy I used. It states on the package that it's for use on radiators. I haven't had a problem with leaking since I used it. I think the fuel tank repair would also work.

 

[Volfandt]

All good recommendations. Try the repair before R&R'ing the fuel tank as it's a beast to get at.

I used JB Weld on my old TE20's steel gas tank and it's held without any problems for over 6 years. The seams had split from where I over tightened the tank to the mounting brackets and JB Weld worked great in fixing that leaking application.

It's advertised as bonding to plastic ABS & PVC so it may work on your tank but I've only used it in metal applications.

Good luck
Volfandt