Hole in gas tank repair....

Posted By: GrnMagic77

Hole in gas tank repair.... - 06/25/09 03:08 PM

Anyone know the best way to repair a small rust hole about 1/16 to 1/8" round ? I have seen some repair kits in the NAPA catalog but don't know anyone who has actually used them.

Obviously welding may not be a very good ideal so I'm told.Even though the tank has sat dry for about 8yrs it still has a bit of residue from the layer of rust.I have cleaned it out as much as possible and for as small as the hole is,a repair kit just might do the trick.

Any suggestions...aside from buying a new tank ??

Posted By: therocks

Re: Hole in gas tank repair.... - 06/25/09 03:17 PM

I fixed the kids in his Buick after it was stolen.I cleaned it got JB weld and a screw that fit.JB the screw and install.Then let it dry a thin piece of metal and JB over it.Its been almost a year and dry as a bone.Oh its at the bottom of the tank.Rocky

Posted By: GrnMagic77

Re: Hole in gas tank repair.... - 06/25/09 03:25 PM

I forgot to mention that the hole is on the bottom,right below the pickup tube...

Sounds like a good ideal...maybe JB Weld the screw in followed by some solder then more JB Weld ??

Posted By: maximus

Re: Hole in gas tank repair.... - 06/25/09 03:27 PM

Most auto parts suppliers sell a two part epoxy stick that is designed to fix gas tanks. You twist together and stick in the hole, I have fixed two gas tanks with this and it worked both times. One of of repairs was done in freezing tempature and it worked. It only cost about $3.00 for the epoxy stick.

Posted By: therocks

Re: Hole in gas tank repair.... - 06/25/09 03:28 PM

Like I said his is at the bottom near the elec pump.JB the screw dry the a thin small piece of metal with more JB.A year and its still dry.Used tank was 75 bucks and he had no $$$.Rocky

Posted By: GrnMagic77

Re: Hole in gas tank repair.... - 06/25/09 04:48 PM

Thanks guys for the tips...maybe I will do a 2 stage repair,one for the inside...one for the out.

Posted By: HealthServices

Re: Hole in gas tank repair.... - 06/25/09 05:30 PM

No need to over think it. Clean the area and let it dry. Then just put some jb on a small piece of sheet metal and stick it on. I don't see how it would fall off but you could use some duct tape to hold in place until it drys. Make sure it is dry before you put fuel in the tank.

Posted By: MoreParts

Re: Hole in gas tank repair.... - 06/25/09 06:57 PM

I've got some JB weld holding a crack in mine for over 5 years now. Just drain it, slap it on, and let it dry.

Posted By: stubbs300

Re: Hole in gas tank repair.... - 06/25/09 10:17 PM

I had a neighbor use fiberglass resin with a mat on a 37 Dodge. He said he's done it tons of times. FWIW

Posted By: yellow sixpack

Re: Hole in gas tank repair.... - 06/25/09 10:40 PM

Gas tanks pretty cheap these days. Somebody selling new Ebodys ones on E..y for $160 buy it now.

Posted By: landon1

Re: Hole in gas tank repair.... - 06/25/09 11:29 PM

i never tried jb weld, but i had tried the epoxy from the parts store several times on my tank...eventually would start leaking again....bought a new tank for ~$200 4 years ago.

Posted By: Challenger 1

Re: Hole in gas tank repair.... - 06/26/09 12:21 AM

Quote:

Gas tanks pretty cheap these days. Somebody selling new Ebodys ones on E..y for $160 buy it now.

If the hole is from rust, then there are other areas that are thin too. God help your fuel pump, buy a new tank. I'm telling you that's the way to go, replace it.

Posted By: dave571

Re: Hole in gas tank repair.... - 06/26/09 01:59 AM

Quote:

I've got some JB weld holding a crack in mine for over 5 years now. Just drain it, slap it on, and let it dry.

Jb is pretty amazing stuff.

In fact, I fixed some pinholes in a used tank I had installed as an auxiliary tank in a motor home I owned.

Of course I found the holes, after I filled it.

4 holes. 4 sheet metal screws with jb weld on them, ran in while it was STILL DRIPPING fuel

It stopped immediately.

I would like to testify as to how long it held, but I sold the mh the following year.

Posted By: Paul_Fancsali

Re: Hole in gas tank repair.... - 06/26/09 01:55 PM

Tank on my 73 has had JB weld on a hole for over 21 years not a typo. Just be sure to let dry for at least 24 hours

Posted By: 446acuda

Re: Hole in gas tank repair.... - 06/27/09 12:41 AM

Quote:

Most auto parts suppliers sell a two part epoxy stick that is designed to fix gas tanks. You twist together and stick in the hole, I have fixed two gas tanks with this and it worked both times. One of of repairs was done in freezing tempature and it worked. It only cost about $3.00 for the epoxy stick.

I've used this stuff. Tank doesn't need to be dry or empty. Wipe off the leak and immediately put the epoxy on it. Don't mess around with the epoxy too much after you put it on since that will cause it to seep around the epoxy. Then you will have to start over.

Posted By: bulletpruf

Re: Hole in gas tank repair.... - 06/27/09 01:35 AM

Quote:

Quote:

Gas tanks pretty cheap these days. Somebody selling new Ebodys ones on E..y for $160 buy it now.

If the hole is from rust, then there are other areas that are thin too. God help your fuel pump, buy a new tank. I'm telling you that's the way to go, replace it.

I agree. If it's got rust in it now, save yourself the trouble and get a new tank. I spent better part of a day trying to clean rust out of the tank (poured acid in with chain and large bolts and swished it around) and then patched a hole and it sprung another leak. Could have patched that one, too, but I figured it was only a matter of time before I got another leak.

Good luck,

Scott