Fuel Tank Repair

[jeff_smith_0423]

Sorry if this is in the wrong place - feel free to move it wherever. It's not an engine repair so i didn't want to put it there by default.

I have a three gallon OMC fuel tank in very good shape, except for the pickup tube has been pulled off of the tank. See the picture to see what i mean. I'd like to repair this and use the tank. Does anyone have any ideas? Should I have it welded? Should I use JB weld?

 

[Woodnaut]

Re: Fuel Tank Repair

Jeff,

JB weld would probably work, but I personally I would prefer to have it welded. It's a fuel connection and over time the hose is going to pull and tug on that connection a hundred different ways about a million different times. Gasoline is dangerous stuff and I really don't like fuel lines that aren't completely secure.

I would drain the tank and then make sure it is bone dry by leaving it out in the sun for a day or two. Then rinse it out as best as you can, and then have it welded. After that you might consider having it powder coated. I had a couple of 6 gallon metal tanks powder coated a few years back and it worked out great. - Woodnaut

 

[joed]

Re: Fuel Tank Repair

I agree. Purge the tank and braise it back on.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Fuel Tank Repair

I had a few of those tanks do the same thing, they were soldered on not brazed from the factory. I just resoldered mine back on. (After purging any fumes from the tank).

If you can solder or braze yourself, a running gasoline engine with it's exhaust tubed into the tank filler neck will purge any fumes while you solder or braze.