Fuel tank repair
Aussie - October 13th, 2012 at 07:08 PM
Seems my fuel tank has a very small leak around the threaded fitting at the base. What is the best way to repair? I am assuming something like brazing
would be best. What about the repair epoxy type stuff from super cheap etc?
vwo60 - October 13th, 2012 at 07:33 PM
I have brazed a couple up with good resalts, it would be permanent repair if done correctly.
20bkombi - October 13th, 2012 at 08:29 PM
Could take it to a radiator shop they soldered some fittings on to my bus tank. Was $30 for 3 fittings
gordysbeetle - October 13th, 2012 at 09:01 PM
soldering is the safest way. brazing uses a naked flame, to use this method you must purge the tank.
Aussie - October 13th, 2012 at 09:41 PM
| Quote: |
Originally
posted by 20bkombi
Could take it to a radiator shop they soldered some fittings on to my bus tank. Was $30 for 3 fittings
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Where abouts did you take it? Was it on the coast?
Aussie - October 13th, 2012 at 09:48 PM
| Quote: |
Originally
posted by gordysbeetle
soldering is the safest way. brazing uses a naked flame, to use this method you must purge the tank.
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I am guessing this is different to standard electrical solder?
vwo60 - October 13th, 2012 at 09:49 PM
simply block the filler neck up and fill the tank with water, just leave the part that needs repair out of the water. worked every time.
20bkombi - October 13th, 2012 at 09:54 PM
It was done here
http://mobile.whereis.com.au/qld/southport/QLD/Ashmore/1/-7-Hinde-St/yellowId...
psimitar - October 14th, 2012 at 12:22 AM
| Quote: |
Originally
posted by vwo60
simply block the filler neck up and fill the tank with water, just leave the part that needs repair out of the water. worked every time.
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^^^WHS.
Solder isn't really meant for long term exposure to such a corrosive liquid so brazing is the best way to do it and how they would have done it back
in the 50-60's. Even welding can be done on a tank using the water method following a good few washes and flushes with degreaser and washing up
liquid.
HappyDaze - October 14th, 2012 at 07:11 AM
| Quote: |
Originally
posted by vwo60
simply block the filler neck up and fill the tank with water, just leave the part that needs repair out of the water. worked every time.
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Doesn't work EVERY time, trust me! Tank MUST be purged, as gordysbeetle says.
vwo60 - October 14th, 2012 at 08:50 AM
Worked every time for me. simply filling the tank with water is actually purging it as it displaces all the flamable gas.
matberry - October 14th, 2012 at 09:06 AM
| Quote: |
Originally
posted by HappyDaze
| Quote: | Originally
posted by vwo60
simply block the filler neck up and fill the tank with water, just leave the part that needs repair out of the water. worked every time.
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Doesn't work EVERY time, trust me! Tank MUST be purged, as gordysbeetle says.
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IMO a recipe for a trip to the hospital. This is NOT 100% fail safe. I've heard of them still exploding using this method.
Beware!| Quote: |
Originally
posted by vwo60
Worked every time for me. simply filling the tank with water is actually purging it as it displaces all the flamable gas.
|
Aparently there is some residual gasses/compounds that stay. Even if it's only 1 in a hundred......I wouldn't take the chance.
Use epoxy putty or POR 15 tank repair kit or get a professional to do it.
My 2c
Lucky Phil - October 14th, 2012 at 09:54 AM
Even a washed tank can explode when welding as the heat drives fuel from the pores of the metal.
Proper preparation prior to welding a tank requires HOT pressure cleaning for a decent period of time. Like an hour or more.
Even then, danger is still there. Best to fill it with an inert gas like nitrogen.
I have heard of people hooking a hose to the tailpipe of a running car and purging the air that way.
May be okay in an emergency, but I wouldn't want to risk it myself.
I would just buy a kit from POR15 and seal the entire tank forever.
No rust, no holes. What more could you want?