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cutting tank open to cure leak.

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AdrianW View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AdrianW Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 May 2020 at 07:01
Thanks Brian,
I'll bear that in mind for once things get back to normal (whenever that is!)

Cheers,
Adrian
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Jools View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Jools Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 May 2020 at 15:50
I've repaired fuel tanks using both a MIG welder and tinmans solder, depending on the nature of the original problem. Both work perfectly well. Except for those instances where a tank has not been in use for several years, fill the tank full with water before even thinking of bringing a welder or flame anywhere near it!!!

MIG welding will cause the metal to shrink in the immediate vicinity of the weld, but not enough to cause a problem on the underside of a tank. Hydrogen embrittlement subsequently has never proved a problem for me.

Vibration should not be a problem - if your tank is vibrating, then it isn't mounted properly!
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Brian UK View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Brian UK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 May 2020 at 15:58
The other way of making a tank safe is to place it over the end of a car exhaust pipe (into the filler) and leave it with engine running until the tank is hot.
Brian.

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red leader one View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote red leader one Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 May 2020 at 17:12
An empty tank should always be treated as notionally full.
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Jools View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Jools Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 May 2020 at 18:15
Always bear in mind that an empty tank is far more dangerous than a full one - the gas vapour within it is highly explosive. 

I'm sure we've all seen the old chemistry lesson demo where a plastic bottle of oxygen/hydrogen is ignited. Just imagine that with an empty 5 gallon fuel tank.....
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Mike H View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike H Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 May 2020 at 18:22
Originally posted by Jools Jools wrote:

I've repaired fuel tanks using both a MIG welder and tinmans solder, depending on the nature of the original problem. Both work perfectly well. Except for those instances where a tank has not been in use for several years, fill the tank full with water before even thinking of bringing a welder or flame anywhere near it!!!

MIG welding will cause the metal to shrink in the immediate vicinity of the weld, but not enough to cause a problem on the underside of a tank. Hydrogen embrittlement subsequently has never proved a problem for me.

Vibration should not be a problem - if your tank is vibrating, then it isn't mounted properly!



"Chicken nuggets don't dance on a Tuesday."
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Jerry atric View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Jerry atric Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 May 2020 at 18:44
At the moment, the tank is laying on its side, supported at each end, with a gallon of petrol in it. It must be such a tiny leak, I'll leave it overnight.
Glad to see the vote of confidence for welding, thanks.
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Jerry atric View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Jerry atric Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 May 2020 at 20:37
After 30 plus hours, there is the tiniest smear of fuel around the tank badge rear mounting hole, it must have been leaking for years. I'll give the hole a good clean and fill it with the Pro Seal. Badge will have to be glued on at the back. Many thanks for all the tips.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Jerry atric Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 May 2020 at 20:07
Pro seal epoxy putty as recommended by George S seams to have cured the leak. Went food shopping on the Cali today and its all good regarding petrol. Thanks to all the help, much appreciated
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ken-Guzzibear Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 May 2020 at 21:12
nice one

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