Fuel Tank Work

[KRH1326]

Given:

Gasoline is a dangerous substance, liquid or vapor.
An almost empty tank can be considered more dangerous than a full one,
because of vapor.

How dangerous would it be to cut a 4" x 8" access hole in the top of an
aluminum tank, that still contained liquid and vapor, with a pair of tin
snips?

How dangerous would it then be to drill several 1/8" holes ( for bolting a plate
and gasket back in ) using an old fashioned, hand turned, (non powered,
no brushes and contacts) bit and brace?


Any work performed on or near gasoline is dangerous, but can this be done?

 

[mpsyamaha]

Re: Fuel Tank Work

as long are you are careful you will be fine.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Fuel Tank Work

If your worried, fill it with water first. After cutting and drilling you are going to have to clean it out anyway.

How do you plan on sealing it when your done?

 

[KRH1326]

Re: Fuel Tank Work

Thin gasket, plus the brush on sealant ( I forgot the brand name ) used for gasoline tanks. It is fiberous, chocolate brown with the consistency of silicon.

The same stuff you can use when changing out a sender unit.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Fuel Tank Work

I see.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Fuel Tank Work

Well if you were to do this you could empty the tank and fill with water... then use ordinary power tools .... You need to radius the corners of your cut to prevent cracking and you should strongly consider a heavier backing plate to bolt into on the inside of the tank....

After cutting and drilling drain and dry the tank and clean out the bits of metal..... If you are good you can siphon most of them out when you drain the tank.


A question to you though is why? A new hole is a new potential leak. What are you trying to acomplish?

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Fuel Tank Work

?????