Fuel tank leak.

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Doug G
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Fuel tank leak.

Post by Doug G »

Metal fuel tank.

There is a leak at one roof the vertical seams.

Would like to remove tank, empty it and have the leaking welded.

BUT while it is easy to empty it can be also VERY dangerous to weld a fuel tank. :shock:

What is the recommended procedure to remove the residue fuel from the tank after emptying the liquid volume, in order to weld it safely (without a very loud bang) ?
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Willie_B
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Re: Fuel tank leak.

Post by Willie_B »

Is the leak a hole or more of a crack? I have seen holes just plugged with a screw and sealant. May even find a good epoxy or sealant that will fix a crack if it's not in a load bearing spot.
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Tim
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Re: Fuel tank leak.

Post by Tim »

Drain it, then drop a match in.

Tim
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Nigel(no top)Sykes
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Re: Fuel tank leak.

Post by Nigel(no top)Sykes »

Or drop, drain and fill with water
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Tim
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Re: Fuel tank leak.

Post by Tim »

Tim wrote: Sat Oct 23, 2021 3:27 Drain it, then drop a match in.

Tim
Sorry, I didn't read the bit about avoiding a large bang.

Tim
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Jez
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Re: Fuel tank leak.

Post by Jez »

I recently dropped my tank. Filled it with cold soapy water, drained and welded.

No bangs no problem.

Jez
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Doug G
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Re: Fuel tank leak.

Post by Doug G »

Thanks gentlemen. Suggestions appreciated.

Soapy water I presume help dissolve any fuel residue.
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dingbat0
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Re: Fuel tank leak.

Post by dingbat0 »

I have welded fuel tanks with oxy/acetylene by running a hose from another car's exhaust and filling the tank to be welded with carbon monoxide, therefore no oxygen, so no bang!
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Tim
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Re: Fuel tank leak.

Post by Tim »

People use MIG shielding gas too.

If it was me I'd take it to an expert, like a radiator repair place, I don't have the right kind of gear to weld a seam on a fuel tank. Then if it went BOOM it would be his problem.

Tim
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Doug G
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Re: Fuel tank leak.

Post by Doug G »

Tim wrote: Mon Oct 25, 2021 5:55 People use MIG shielding gas too.

If it was me I'd take it to an expert, like a radiator repair place, I don't have the right kind of gear to weld a seam on a fuel tank. Then if it went BOOM it would be his problem.

Tim
While I shall take it to a professional (somebody that does it for money) I am not sure how 'expert' they will be.

Yes the 'BOOM' would be his/her/it/their/them (trying to be politically correct) problem, although I would like to make the tank content as inert (read non-explosive) as possible.
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Doug G
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Re: Fuel tank leak.

Post by Doug G »

Okay.

Tank removed.

Washed out with water and washing up liquid.

Allowed to stand overnight filled with more water and washing up liquid.

Emptied and rinsed out with fresh water.

The tiniest of tiny pinhole leak was discovered on underside.

Taken to my main mechanic, and tank filled with carbon monoxide fumes for 15 minutes.

Duly ground back to a clean metal area, then brazed.

Now to have my mechanic (my son)reinstall the tank.

We will see how long this repair lasts.
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Tim
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Re: Fuel tank leak.

Post by Tim »

It should be fine.

I once discovered a leak in the very bottom of a tank as I was about to go on a long trip. I drained it and cleaned the outside of the tank thoroughly with solvent, then pressed some kneadable epoxy putty into the area, thinking that it should last the trip. It actually lasted the life of the Moke.

Tim
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Doug G
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Re: Fuel tank leak.

Post by Doug G »

Wish you had posted that earlier. :lol:
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Doug G
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Re: Fuel tank leak.

Post by Doug G »

My son has decided to paint eternally with 'underseal'.
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BarrieJ
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Re: Fuel tank leak.

Post by BarrieJ »

When I had the 'Tina" there were pin holes in the top of the tank and getting a replacement tank was prohibitive price wise.

I used the POR system to clean degrease and line the tank with a resin coating.

The holes were filled with Petrol Patch Fuel Tank Putty.
And then painted with POR exterior paint. Its resin based that goes rock hard once exposed to air. The tank came out shiny and is still going some 10 years later..

When it comes to painting whats the recommended as my tank is just shiny metal.?
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