Fuel tank repair or replacement?
Discussion
Noticed a faint hint of petrol in the kithchen early this morning getting stronger through the utility to a real heady pong by the garage door.!! It would appear overnight my Chimaera has decided a fuel leak is in order having sat patiently for the last 8 weeks waiting for a day out. Upon investigation the boot was pretty damp (LHS) so removed the fuel tank suspecting a hose or joint problem only to find a pin hole actually in the tank behind one of the tank securing straps. Question is: Can the tank be repaired and if so does anybody know where? and if not any recommendations for a replacement? Appreciate your comments guys.
Aussie John said:
Still worth a go with JB, clean the paint off and one coat, I refitted a fuel tank breather pipe on an old Lotus, [steel tank] is still OK after 6 years.
Thanks john. I'll investigate a bit further. The leak is low down on the tank so full all the time which makes me a bit nervous but thanks for the info, I'll take a look at the stuff.Colin RedGriff said:
Cheers Colin, think I've decided to have a go at combining both yours and Aussie Johns references. Using the Jb weld on the outside, then the Frosts kit on the inside. At £280 for a second hand one its worth a punt as at least i know where the whole is on the one i've got. Anyone used the Frost kit?????Sorry, but if you have a fuel leak in the centre of the panel i.e. not a seam it can only be corrosion. Fuel leakage is a major safety issue especially with rear end impact where you don’t want fuel moistened carpets around. My advice is don’t take the chance. Replace with a used or new tank.
CHGRIFF said:
Sorry, but if you have a fuel leak in the centre of the panel i.e. not a seam it can only be corrosion. Fuel leakage is a major safety issue especially with rear end impact where you don’t want fuel moistened carpets around. My advice is don’t take the chance. Replace with a used or new tank.
Thanks for your thoughts, believe me I do not intend taking any risks with it however the tank looks in good nic both inside and out and the leak is a small pin hole which appears to have manisfested itself behind one of the tank retaining straps. There is evidence on the rubber backing of the strap that its been there for some time (maybe a bit of grit trapped)and i can only guess the really cold weather contracted the rubber allowing the weeping fuel to lift the adhesive and allow the rubber to curl away from the offending pin hole. Hence my overnight spill from what has been a dormant Chim for the last 8 weeks. Buying a second hand one seems to be no better than what i have, at least i know where the hole is on this one. Thanks for your comment, its noted. taNot sure where your based or whether thats important if your posting, but there is a very good ali welder in Basildon Essex who could weld it for you. 01268 725988.
Pretty sure your tank will be aluminium.
Tank needs to be clean. When welding they fill the tank with inert gas to prevent any fire risk whilst welding.
They would need to pressurise tank after to ensure no other leaks are apparent.
I would not use any other method to resolve this problem.
Pretty sure your tank will be aluminium.
Tank needs to be clean. When welding they fill the tank with inert gas to prevent any fire risk whilst welding.
They would need to pressurise tank after to ensure no other leaks are apparent.
I would not use any other method to resolve this problem.
CHGRIFF said:
Not sure where your based or whether thats important if your posting, but there is a very good ali welder in Basildon Essex who could weld it for you. 01268 725988.
Pretty sure your tank will be aluminium.
Tank needs to be clean. When welding they fill the tank with inert gas to prevent any fire risk whilst welding.
They would need to pressurise tank after to ensure no other leaks are apparent.
I would not use any other method to resolve this problem.
In Nottingham and its definitely mild steel tank. Still looking for someone to repair and test if at all possible as I 'd like the peace of mind of a professional doing it.Pretty sure your tank will be aluminium.
Tank needs to be clean. When welding they fill the tank with inert gas to prevent any fire risk whilst welding.
They would need to pressurise tank after to ensure no other leaks are apparent.
I would not use any other method to resolve this problem.
Surprised you have a steel tank! Didn't know they existed as I have only seen aluminium ones fitted. If wanting a qualified welder to do the job (steel or aluminium) the welder I mentioned comes highly recommended, but you would need to speak with him and explain whats required. He has repaired and modified several of our fuel tanks over the past few years so knows the product. Your not too far away from Basildon and it is quite possible he would repair the tank while you wait.
A chap I know had a hidghly modified engine that required modification to suit increased fuel flow. He is a home welder with the right gear and general welding experience. Removed his tank, cleaned several times with solvent and washed out with water, just as you say. Left it a couple of days to weld at the weekend. When welding the tank expoded, he had several weeks off work and still bears the scars to arms and face. Problem is especially with older tanks a fuel residue build on the surface and is almost impossible to remove. This residue is highly flamable when subject to heat generated by welding. Tank welding must be treated with due respect.
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