Topic: tank repair

[CBGBs]

My tank has a crack at one of the ballance tubes. I've tried to repair it with a two part epoxy like JB Weld Quick and it didn't hold.
Is it recomended to weld this shut or should I use a fiberglass resin?

[csendker]

"Welding" and "Gas Tank" are three words that require a whole lot of forethought. 

I fixed a pinhole or two using a putty-like gas epoxy to fill the hole.  I let it cure fully and then 'paintied' over it with another gas tank fixer/sealer.  I bought both gas-tank sealers at the local Autozone/Advance auto.

[clarkjh]

Disclaimer:
I am not responsible if this doesn't work and blows up.

Can you fill your tank with CO, CO2 or Nitrogen?  Fill with inert gas then you should be able to weld it.

James

PS: I have tried this before myself and am 1 for 2, fixed one, blown one.

[Peterbylt]

I used a product called Marine Tex to fix my Tank ten years ago and its still holding strong.

http://www.marinetex.com/PRODUCT%20PAGE_files/All%20MarineTex%20Putty/marinetex%20prod%20info.htm

Peter

[mkramer1121]

Saw something the other night on Classic Rides on the DIY network.  They were going to cut open an old Indian tank and reweld it shut.  Before they cut into the tank, the stuck the tank on the end of a car exhaust via the fuel tap and ran it there for a couple minute to brun off any excess fuel.  Then they cut into it and welded it no problems.

Added this link to the how to:
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/ab_auto_restoration/article/0,2021,DIY_13680_5288294,00.html

[kghost]

Its really very simple.

Take your garden hose and stick it in the tank.

Turn on the hose.

Leave it on for half an hr.

Gas weighs about 6 lbs per gallon

Water weighs 8 lbs per gallon.


The water will flush out any gas and fumes. I've never had one blow up using this method.

As always gas and fire don't mix and be careful.

[CBGBs]

I just conditioned the inside of the tank and I plan on storing it. I don't want to fill it with water and allow rust to overtake it in storage.

This is great! I have options. Thank you.
I may try the exhaust method, or perhaps another putty. I have something like a metal putty that I've never used.

Any further suggestions would be appreciated.

[nteek754]

hey there CB I would either clean up the area again and redo with J B quick OR there is a nice brand of fuel tank repair out there got mine at VIP  for ten bucks comes with sand paper little brush a piece of fiberglass cloth and the two part mix works great  I garanttee if you clean the area good enogh it will stick good luck seven fifty four ever Craig in Maine

[kghost]

Do what ya will.

If you want a tank fixed permenantly ...weld it.

If you want a semi permenant fix...play with putty, tapes, epoxies, etc.

If your concerned about rust in the tank you can:
Dry it with a hair drier
When dry slosh MEK around in it to pick up the water
Or put a bag of desiccant in it.

[BobbyR]

You may be surprised to find out tre original material holding that tube on was solder. Soilder is a great sealer for pipe joints and attaching parts since it flows.

[xtalon]

Saw something the other night on Classic Rides on the DIY network.  They were going to cut open an old Indian tank and reweld it shut.  Before they cut into the tank, the stuck the tank on the end of a car exhaust via the fuel tap and ran it there for a couple minute to brun off any excess fuel.  Then they cut into it and welded it no problems.

Added this link to the how to:
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/ab_auto_restoration/article/0,2021,DIY_13680_5288294,00.html

My buddy who owns a body shop is going to do some welding on my tank and when I asked him about it, he said we would run a hose from a engine to fill it with exhaust (carbon monoxide) and then weld it.  We haven't done it yet, so if quit posting over the next couple weeks, you'll know it didn't work.   

The tank has been off the bike and empty for the last couple weeks and I have left it open to let the fumes escape, but it still smells of gas.  I'm going to seal my tank w/ POR 15 too, so before I take the tank to my buddy, I think I going to use the marine clean and hopefully it will get us much of the gas and fumes out as possible before hand.

--xTalon

[rhinoracer]

I've done both, to weld first stick the big opening into your car's exhaust and leave running for a few minutes, the more the better. Warm the engine first so it doesn't condense into the tank. then weld as you wish. If there's rot in the tank you'll only burn a big hole into it instead of welding.

I've also plugged holes as large as a dime using bar soapm, not any kind of soap but the kind used for clotheswashing. Lasted for 4 years without leaks till I sold the car.

But if it's going to receive stress you're better off welding it, any kind of adhesive is prone to failure, just make sure you know what you're doing.

[CBGBs]

Soldering or welding seems like the permanent plan, but I wonder if a radiator shop might have the ability to fix this thing. Any idea?

[jsaab2748]

Radiator shops commonly repair and recondition car gas tanks.  But you prob knew that eh? Might be the way to go if you know of a
reputable place and don't feel like messing with it.

[cafe75-550]

I take my tanks to a radiator shop and have them "boiled out".The chemical process removes just about everything in the tank. Its really the only way to guarantee that there aren't any residual fumes/residues in the tank (Carbon monoxide itself is a flammable gas, with an ignition temperature of 1,128 degrees F). I usually braze the tanks instead of welding, lower temps mean less distortion and the filler metal flows into any gaps/imperfections that welding can sometimes leave.

[TwoTired]

Brazing will give all the strength you need and you will neither melt nor lose any parent metal in the process.  Seems perfect for this kind of repair.  I used water to flush the tank when I repaired pinholes in it with the brazing method.

Of course, I was fixing genuine SOHC4 tanks.   

[CBGBs]

Brazing will give all the strength you need and you will neither melt nor lose any parent metal in the process.  Seems perfect for this kind of repair.  I used water to flush the tank when I repaired pinholes in it with the brazing method.

Of course, I was fixing genuine SOHC4 tanks.