gas tank problem

[EDGE699]

Hey guys,

I'm in the process of rebuilding my 1981 Wellcraft fisherman, and I was cleaning the gas tank when I noticed a lot of pitting in one area. Just to see if it had a hole I duck taped the vents and pumped some air it. It has a pin size hole. Is there anything I can do to save this tank or is it toast?

Thanks guys!

 

[ljshein]

Re: gas tank problem

Edge,

I'm no expert but I had a similar problem. My aluminum tank was pitted but not to the point of a pinhole, I know that because I had it pressure tested. I initially tried to relpace the tank but couldn't find a suitable plastic replacement.

My soultion was to use a wire wheel on a drill to clean the tank, wipe it down with acetone and then coat it with fiberglass resin. I don't know about filling the exiting hole but in my case I hope it will prevent any further pitting.

Good Luck!
Jeff

 

[sdunt]

Re: gas tank problem

Building and sealing fuel tanks is probalematic, because of ... ETHANOL. The alcohol in 95% of common gas will disolve just about anything except metal and plastic tanks. If you want some fun reading google on fiberglass tanks and filling stations. There are lots of tanks underground and no one know for sure how the ethanol will effect them.

I can't find the link right now, but I have seen a coating for gas tanks, that you pour in a roll around so it coats and seals the inside of the tank. THen you let it dry or setup.

But know now figure out if the stuff was tested with ethanol.

If you google on gas tank sealant, you will get lots of hits, the question is which ones can handle the Ethanol.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: gas tank problem

if you go with a tank sealer, get the one that is aircraft approved...aircraft fuel is much stronger than ethanol.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: gas tank problem

JB weld the thing

no really..find out from a welder what you should do. ( mebbe get a second opinion )

YD.

 

[burroak]

Re: gas tank problem

Take it to a welding job shop and have the offending piece cut out and weld in new material.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: gas tank problem

Edge, If the pitting is isolated to a small area, you can repair it with some marinetex. I recommend you embed some fiberglass cloth into the MarineTex to increase the strength of the repair. Alternatively, you can have a piece of aluminum welded over the bad spot.

If the pitting is more than a small (4"x4") spot, I recommend you replace the tank with plastic.

 

[EDGE699]

Re: gas tank problem

THANKS guys!

I'm bring it to a welding shop tomorrow. One of my friends talked about coating the tank with 5200 to prevent any other pitting or painting it with a bilge paint. Would that help prevent anyother problems?? (if i can save the tank)

Thanks

 

[burroak]

Re: gas tank problem

If the pitting is coming from the outside, I'd try a roll-on bedliner for the bottom and up the sides a couple of inches, after painting the tank. If this area is the bottom, I'd also look into supporting the tank so that air could freely flow between the tank and the floor.

 

[iwombat]

Re: gas tank problem

Best tank coating I've ever used is from restomotive - the POR-15 guys. Did a bike tank outside and spilled some on the ground. The little puddle of goo is still there 3 years later binding gravel that I roll over with the car every day.

Needless to say, the tank is doing fine also.