Replaced Fuel Tank

[JD-Beach]

Here's a view of the old plastic tank. The adhesive used at the outlet fitting is old and cracked. That's where the leak occurred.

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[Modrob]

Here's a view of the old plastic tank. The adhesive used at the outlet fitting is old and cracked. That's where the leak occurred.


View attachment 863871.

View attachment 863873

I’d like to find one of those (even leaking—maybe I can plastic weld a repair) to replace the antique one that someone put on mine before we got it…

 

[m5040]

I use a product called Opti lube to remove any water from my diesel fuel. You may want to look into a fuel additive, it may have a side benefit of preventing rust?

 

[woodlandfarms]

You can plastic weld that bung if money is an issue. We have welded bungs like this a bunch of times common failure point and easy fix

 

[ponytug]

You can plastic weld that bung if money is an issue. We have welded bungs like this a bunch of times common failure point and easy fix

Any tips? I have a troublesome polyethylene tank that seems resistant to lasting repairs. I have tried cutting the old oxidized surface off before welding, broadening the weld area, embedding wire mesh and I'm not getting a lasting fix.

All the best,

Peter

 

[m5040]

Maybe due to a new gas or diesel mixture for emissions. Who knows what the latest chemical concoction is? Maybe there was a sale on benzene, toluene or xylene.

 

[Gravy]

Any tips? I have a troublesome polyethylene tank that seems resistant to lasting repairs. I have tried cutting the old oxidized surface off before welding, broadening the weld area, embedding wire mesh and I'm not getting a lasting fix.

All the best,

Peter

Oldish thread, but have you considered mechanically attaching a flange, somewhat like the way the filler neck is attached? Or a metal bulkhead fitting with Viton seal?

 

[ponytug]

Oldish thread, but have you considered mechanically attaching a flange, somewhat like the way the filler neck is attached? Or a metal bulkhead fitting with Viton seal?

Good idea! The crack is on two intersecting curves, well a col /saddle, but not an impossible shape to fabricate, especially with a rubber seal underneath. The crack is near the top of a cylindrical tank with round top shoulder, at a U-shaped reinforcing rib. The compound curves is why I originally tried embedding screening in the plastic and plastic welding through the screening.

I will think about what I can manage to fabricate here.

All the best,

Peter

 

[Gravy]

Good idea! The crack is on two intersecting curves, well a col /saddle, but not an impossible shape to fabricate, especially with a rubber seal underneath. The crack is near the top of a cylindrical tank with round top shoulder, at a U-shaped reinforcing rib. The compound curves us why I tried embedding screening in the plastic and plastic welding through the screening.

I will think about what I can manage to fabricate here.

All the best,

Peter

Somebody with a 3D printer might be able to help you if there is appropriate filament available.

 

[ponytug]

Somebody with a 3D printer might be able to help you if there is appropriate filament available.

Actually, that's a great idea, but I might do it with a twist. I can probably heat up a 3/8" plate and get it conformed to the curves and then bolt it in place after it cools.

More ideas to ruminate on. I might be able to plastic weld a brace across the rib. Hmmm...

All the best,

Peter