fuel tanks
Author
Discussion

edfoxuk

Original Poster:

203 posts

259 months

Thursday 10th February 2005
quotequote all
Had one of my tanks spring a major leak. Noticed a faint smell of petrol for a few days. Was quite suprised when my side pod was an inch deep in unleaded. specially as i was just about to attack the floor with an angle grinder. The vapour was so heavy that it looked like a heat haze. It realy was ready for down town bagdad. Not very PC but true!

My thoughts were i'm going to loose the car, followed by concern of severe personal injury then for the house. In that order of course.



I've removed the tank by cutting out the rear wheelarch and the problem is in the area of the inboard mount closest to the cabin bulkhead. Any ideas re repair/ replacement? I can of course run on a single tank, but i'm growing weary of all that attention at petrol stations.

USCANAM

514 posts

288 months

Thursday 10th February 2005
quotequote all
Ed
Welding repairs on fuel tanks is very dangerous.
I've had good success with epoxy repairs. Preparation is critical, which involves scuffing up the tank area where the patch is going, using a good quality epoxy, and all sufaces to be clean. 30 to 60 grit abrasive should be used on the tank and patch, and the patch should extend at least 1" past the leak. Round off the corners of the patch. Coat the epoxy on the patch and tank, and let cure for at least 2 days before putting fuel in.
Jack

Ravensbabe

42 posts

266 months

Thursday 10th February 2005
quotequote all
Take it to a fabrication shop for a proper welded repair. Tanks can be repaired quite easily and safely if good standing working procedures are followed.

You need to find what caused the fracture though, as it will likely happen again...next time you may not spot it? Your findings may also make others keep an eye out for a similar problem.

Roy

andygtt

8,345 posts

293 months

Thursday 10th February 2005
quotequote all
these tanks are full of anti surge foam unlike normal tanks.... so I'd agree that welding them should be done with extreme caution and by a professional.

you could of cause just purchase another tank.

edfoxuk

Original Poster:

203 posts

259 months

Thursday 10th February 2005
quotequote all
thanks andy gt 425 of your english pounds for a single tank was right at the top of my list of options.

DHGTR

1,196 posts

272 months

Thursday 10th February 2005
quotequote all
Hi Ed
Have a look at this home page, there is a product called tank cure. Ive never used it but it may be worth a call to LB Restoration.

www.lb-restoration.co.uk/index.htm

regards
dave