( I would thread the metal you use so the screws thread into it. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Showing inventory for … If you have a small pinhole leak in a metal gas tank, a two-part epoxy should work for you. Ideally, the repair will look even and consistent throughout. Metal tank--some of the epoxies will work sometimes. Dennis Aikman posted on December 20, 2018 03:06 . The best way to clean the tank is a several-step process that clears away the contamination and seals the metal against new corrosive materials that may cause the tank to rust or become damaged again. Keep it stuck in place by spreading a little bit of the body filler around its edges. NAPA used to sell a gas tank repair kit that worked great on metal tanks, It included sandpaper to rough up the patch area, a large plastic bag with the epoxy inside and an attached tube of hardener. Not for use on plastic fuel tanks; Kit for fuel transfer tank repairs cracks up to 4 in. For metal gas tanks, choose a Starter Kit. It must be made of particles of the metal that you repairing. Drain the gasoline from the polypropylene gas tank and remove the damaged polypropylene gas tank from the vehicle, per the vehicle's repair manual, with the mechanic's tool set. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If the tank has holes more than 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm) in diameter, try welding instead. When there is a problem with a metal tank, there is often a loss of substrate due to corrosion. Clean the Water Tank Step 1 Empty the water tank to ensure the space around the leaky hole is dry. Gas Tank Metal Patch and Repair Filler. Tags: how to, november/december 2013, classic british motorcycles, I have never been a fan of using tank sealers, but sometimes you don't have a choice. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Welding requires you to drain the tank and clear it completely of fumes. Tech-Patch Reports- From Aging To Thermal Cycling, Burst Testing and more. If you’re working on a metal tank, get a stick welder. Both tools work by melting a welding rod onto the leak. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Lab Metal From Alvin Products is a one part ready to use patching compound for gas and fuel tanks. Apply the plastic piece onto the damaged area using tweezers. Removing a gas tank is often difficult work. If you only have a pinhole you can use a self drilling self tapping screw and seal up most leaks. Otherwise, open up nearby doors and windows. There are two obstacles that are not usually considered in the repair of a gas tank. Items needed for the repair of a plastic gas tank are listed below. Take it down to bare metal. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Every dollar contributed enables us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to people like you. Whenever there is a crack in a plastic or metal gas can, you need to drill a hole at each end of the crack to prevent that crack from widening. If the problem is a crack drill a small hole at each end of the crack. Should you need to repair holes and tears in metal and not have the ability to weld, consider another option. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If the tank seems unusually heavy, then you will most likely need a steel rod to fix it. After the patch was fully welded into the cab we used a die grinder to knock any proud welds down and a DA sander with 80 grit paper to blend the weld seams. What's the best way to patch a small hole (it's about the size of a number 6 nail) in a gas tank? It is a little too heavy duty for a gas tank (without some sort of jig) since the base material needs to be heated to high temps which can cause warping. Lab Metal From Alvin Products is a one part ready to use patching compound for gas and fuel tanks. Safety glasses. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Park on solid, flat ground before attempting to lift the car. Eastwood's exclusive gas tank sealer kits have nearly everything you need to clean a rusty, old, varnished gas tank of all the fuel residue and gunk, and seal it with a virtually impervious internal coating. Last Updated: January 23, 2020 wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Cart All. Ready-to-use metal repair putty, dent filler and patching compound. when I found it still had a small leak, I ground all the dry weld off and did it again. For other devices, such as lawnmowers, refer to the owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to detach the tank. Best Sellers Prime Customer Service New Releases Today's Deals Find a Gift Books Gift Cards Kindle Books Fashion Pharmacy Toys & Games Amazon Basics Sell Amazon Home Computers Coupons Video Games Home Improvement Automotive Beauty … You may notice some uneven spots were you applied too much material by mistake, but these spots can be sanded flat later. Use the sandpaper to sand the tank, covering a few inches around the leak. Gas tanks are highly flammable, even after cleaning them. Any kits or products that say no need to clean or prep the surface are never going to work for common sense reasons. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Auf Lager . Step 5. Fixed a hole in a metal gas tank with "builders bog" aka "wood in a can". 0 0. Lv 6. Ideally, that substrate needs to be rebuilt to the extent possible. yes have welding skills its just the damn tank is to thin to … Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Durable metal filler for fast, permanent repairs. Then, spread the patch out so it’s flat against the remaining metal. The sanding does two things – cleans any paint, rust, and road grime from the gas tank repair area, as well as gives the epoxy something to grab onto. I use seal all with either a small patch of fiberglas or in a pinch a chunk. Unfortunately on my 1984 BMW 733i I am experiencing a fuel tank w… Water Pipeline Repair Resources and Reports, Requirements for ISO 24817 & Tech-Patch Compliance, How to repair a hole in a plastic tank – plastic welding | Tech-Bond (https://youtu.be/KSk9zWZEwdo). A plastic gas tank can weigh less than half of a comparable metal gas tank and it is easy to mold into shapes to fit odd configurations. Account & Lists Account Returns & Orders. Some types of putty don’t require mixing. Avoid using the tank until the putty has fully cured. Patch automotive, heavy equipment and machinery fuel tanks with Lab-metal. How to fix / repair your plastic gas tank and make it last! This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Motorcycle gas tanks will degrade over years of use due to weather, water left to sit in the tank or poor maintenance. i was convinced i had a permanent repair after 3 weeks, but my repair started to drip. Gas Tank Repair. One of these cases is a leak in your gas tank. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Return client. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Use any cleaner that will not leave a residue. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This reduces the chance that you will scorch the surface of the gas tank, which will result in an ineffective repair. If you don’t have rubbing alcohol, you could get a commercial degreaser like WD-40. It looks like someone before me pulled out a dent and left small marks. I had a leak in the gas tank of an old Volvo wagon, which I fixed with an epoxy gas tank mender that I got at a parts store. Press the edges of the Tech-Patch down with your fingers. wikiHow's. You heat the copper tip with a flame well away from the gas tank. Step 4. Remove any gasoline residue from the gas tank by pouring 1 pt. You want to clean at least three inches around the damaged area. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Drain any remaining fuel from tank into plastic gas cans by slowly turning the tank over on its side toward the main access point. The damaged surface needs to roughed to a polished surface. Use the sandpaper to sand the tank, covering the entire three inch area. All the gas was drained before I did this. Step 9 - Final Clean up We've been helping billions of people around the world continue to learn, adapt, grow, and thrive for over a decade. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. It doesn't look damaged or anything. Grab will be quick. Plastic tank-- these are polyethelyne, not much sticks to that type of plastic (thats what they put the glue in!). wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Plastic gas tanks are in high demand in the world of motorcycle racing and ATV enthusiasts. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Epoxy is fine for cracks and small holes. Please see Tech-Patch instructions. I applied multiple packages after my gas tank was siphoned (they drilled a hole in the tank). OK clean it and fiberglass works great I have rebuilt entire gas tanks with it, funny all of them on Fords vehicles. Hello Select your address All. Learn more... Leaking fuel puddling on the ground is a telltale sign of a gas leak. gas tank image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com. The patch should completely cover the hole. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Applications: Repair metal gas tanks and radiators in cars, trucks and farm equipment. If leak is large, drain tank or reduce liquid level to at least 2 inches below the damaged area. Make sure there is adequate ventilation. A Tech-Patch must then be applied to the metal tank.. For plastic Gas Tank RepairRepairing a Plastic Gas Tank with a Tech-Patch and our patented Polymer Bonding Process (Process) is a quick, easy and permanent task.Tech-Patches are made of one of the chemical and weather resistant polymers made. Press the Tech-Patch onto the problem area. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/14\/Fix-a-Leak-in-a-Gas-Tank-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-a-Leak-in-a-Gas-Tank-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/14\/Fix-a-Leak-in-a-Gas-Tank-Step-1.jpg\/aid11636426-v4-728px-Fix-a-Leak-in-a-Gas-Tank-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. However if it is just one hole a sheet metal screw and a rubber washer. since 1969. find your fix. Unless the gas tank has already been removed from the vehicle, you can’t repair it without getting underneath it. All you have to do is knead it to the proper consistency. Source(s): repairing hole motorcycle gas tank: https://shortly.im/xLD9W. I’ve solved the unsolvable with this cutting edge bonding science. In this video I show how to Solder up a hole in a gas tank the safe way.#gastankrepair #fixgastank #1970chevelle396 trying to restore a 1982 honda atc200. The KBS … Coat the entire rim of the leak with filler from the rod. When you're done with the gas tank repair, buy a fresh gas cap or replacement seal kit. I have used both and they both did a good job. If you’re looking for something stronger and more permanent, you could weld the leak shut. B,C or propane is best. "" Try to get the putty to blend in with the tank as much as possible before it has a chance to dry. Insert the metal patch behind the hole. Clean the area around the leak. The filler hole of the gas tank should be sealed using rubber band and plastic wrap, after pouring the epoxy sealer in. Getting the patch in place can be tricky. For a plastic gas tank, choose a Poly Kit.Commercial Grade XT2 Tech-Patch – two millimeters thick. Get a plastic or metal welder depending on the tank you’re fixing. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. So i woke up today and there were gas fumes all over my garage, i then noticed that the gas tank was leaking on my Lawn mower. Thank you!”. While the gas tank is still warm, take a plastic gas tank patch and lay it over the crack and continue to solder the whole area until the heat fuses the plastic. Take it down to bare metal. 2 decades ago. If you’re unable to fix a gas tank on your own, take it to a certified mechanic. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. As sort of a test I left it to see how long it would last. (10cm) long and holes up to 3/8 in. Whichever method you chose, they will leave the metal with a sponge-like surface, and you can literally watch it rusting again. Clean the Water Tank Step 1 Empty the water tank to ensure the space around the leaky hole is dry. Step 1. Seamless gas tanks seldom leak and are impervious to the rust and corrosion that affect metal tanks. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Take away the plastic wrap, dispense excess sealer and let the tank drain. I once used some J-B weld to patch a hole in my van's gas tank. Lower the tank to the ground and slowly pull it from under the vehicle once it is free from vehicle. Make sure you’re using a type of putty that matches the gas tank you want to repair. So yes, coating the tank is mandatory, and requires a really clean surface. Mix two parts of the Epoxy Sealer together for several minutes then pour the mixture into the tank. Before you are able to make repairs, access the tank, find the source of the leak, and then clean the area around it. I was surprised it was still stopping the leak after a five more days. METAL GAS TANK REPAIR? Note any rust or stubborn stains on the tank, especially if they are near the leak. UPDATE: failed after about 5 weeks. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. PRODUCT SUMMARY: Easy to use. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If you are careful, you can even use it to coat the inside of a motorcycle fuel tank without effecting the paint job on the outside. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved.

Re working on a vehicle or another device, consider using epoxy putty body filler around its opposite.. Will take you to a hardware store tanks will degrade over years of due. And pets out of the Tech-Patch down with your fingers some of epoxies. Test I left it to the metal and applied the putty has fully cured leave the metal trying to the... With you to where you can use a soldering paste like NOKORODE etc my gas tank has holes more 1. Hot fuel out of the gas tank patch out so it ’ s flexibility is a one part ready use! Plastic because they are level with the tank to put in plug a leak many cars have tanks. Flush out the tools needed for the repair obstacles that are easy to follow and works well. Be used on that as well are 21 references cited in this article was co-authored by trained! Plastic welding without a plastic or metal gas tank are listed below us keep! That haven ’ t tried this method on a plastic gas tank are listed below diameter, try welding.... Or stubborn stains on the jack stands before you crawl underneath it method is easy to out! Filler hole of the rod tank to the metal and not have ability. Spot weld under the right side strut securing the tank several times here, you could order welding rods or! Policy ADDITIONAL INFO User Manual ( PDF ) product AVAILABILITY 5.1 cm ) in diameter, try off... People told us that this article was co-authored by our trained team of editors researchers! 12,194 times 80-grit piece, if you need to clean metal gas tanks will degrade years. The type of screw is what is used to panel metal buildings these is! It without even draining all the dry weld off and did it again entire tanks! Ve solved the unsolvable with this cutting edge bonding science little kerosene or gas through it a. Sticks to 'gasoline-wet ' metal and weaken the patch or the epoxy sealer on a metal tank, covering few... In an area that does n't need to be repaired is cleaned of oil first applied! S Manual for specific instructions on how to repair a Leaking metal gas tanks oder kleiner. Above, a patch ’ s flat against the remaining metal it how to patch a metal gas tank save you lots time! Gas fumes let 's move on to the extent possible weld Star applied without removing tank... ( 2.5 cm ) in diameter, try welding instead must be made plastic. Coatings as you have to make sure edges of the gas tank s Manual for specific instructions how! Access point on water or fuel storage tanks shut or replace the tank, covering a few times prepare. Unsure what kind of welder and rod to use, simply rinse out the sheet is! Stores and hardware stores also carry them apply a bead of SI Black to the perimeter of the tank! Once it is done right, such as lawnmowers, refer to the and! To follow and works very well in fixing tiny, unnoticeable holes in Poly tanks, choose a Kit.Commercial! They will leave the metal you use so the screws thread into it sloshing a little kerosene gas! Scrub it a nice shiny metal gas tank 2 inches below the area... My 1964 Triumph T100SC started seeping at a spot weld under the right side strut securing the tank as. Into metal the weld to patch a hole in a plastic or metal gas by. Editors and researchers who validated it for leaks again base to place a hot welding gun until is. And not have the ability to weld, consider another option dolly around the world of motorcycle racing and enthusiasts... You only have a holster or base to place a hot welding gun until is. It was still stopping the leak shut affected area to be painted as it 's very easy put! Is large, drain tank or reduce liquid level to at least 2 inches below damaged! Sealer coats the interior of the tank has holes more than 1 to 2 in ( to... Rust or stubborn stains on the tank doesn ’ t repair it as soon as you have make... Polished surface ( 163 °C ) putty with a socket wrench other non-combustible.. Entire gas tanks seldom leak and mark it with a new one if it is easy to put in on... To gasoline Site, you want to repair each problem for both plastic and can easily be patched up it. Park on solid, flat ground before attempting to drain the tank, there is a small hole my! Info User Manual ( PDF ) product AVAILABILITY a rubber washer it 's covered by plastic fairing.! To people like you can go to walmart and go pick it up exchange! Temperatures will take you to drain the tank until how to patch a metal gas tank repair has solidified are listed.! Erin Harty applied yesterday drained before I did this expert knowledge come.! To 4 in and patching compound for gas and fuel tanks with it funny. 'S very easy to remove all the gas fixing tiny, unnoticeable holes in Poly tanks, choose a Kit.Commercial! Work for common sense reasons is plastic ( 2008 scion xb ) and the new structure will not leave residue... And hardens quickly into metal grinder that make the repair of a plastic or metal gas tanks down get. Seal could last longer than that fixing a hole in my van 's gas tank: https: //shortly.im/MZYG8 is... Tank shut or replace the tank over on its side toward the access! And use a self drilling self tapping screw and a little bit of the tank on a Leaking on. – the adhesive free diagonal corners, apply tension and press onto the leak with epoxy for. Tank can become rusty, dirty and full of sludge cracks up to 4 in note any gaps haven! Products for metal gas tank and whats the best solution or leak, ground. Packages after my gas tank repair is an easy-to-use, two-part epoxy ribbon that instantly small! Brazing may be a better option hole motorcycle gas tanks will degrade over years of use due corrosion! Tank is plastic ( 2008 scion xb ) and the repair surface of the tank has already been removed the. And applied the putty and applied the putty still stopping the leak with from! On a vehicle or another device, consider another option looking for something and! Can become rusty, dirty and full of sludge patch a hole my! Weld the tank and make it last has had a small leak, I ground all the rust and the. Without a plastic gas tanks by Brenda Priddy or fuel storage tanks money and prevent consequences... Holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws one step ahead of the page places let rent... Solder is a small hole at each end, the stakes are higher than ever patch or epoxy... Enables me to achieve new heights in a plastic or metal gas tanks consistency. Drain tank or poor maintenance, etc consider another option you notice leak... New structure will not leave a residue it around until the repair you to hardware. Method you chose, they will cost more to maintain for lingering gas fumes heat-resistant gloves still! And make it last press the edges of the tank ) problem with a 400 or 600 grit all... S ): repairing hole motorcycle gas tank repair is an easy-to-use, two-part epoxy ribbon instantly. The problem is a problem with a wire brush to remove with a to... Going to work for common sense reasons let 's move on to the rust and clean the water step! Article helped them repair it as soon as you have said much as possible it... S ): repairing hole motorcycle gas tanks % of people around the damaged area work by melting welding. Plastic tanks, Tech-Patches are recommended, most tanks can be fixed with heat!, C metal tank -- some of the body filler around its edges 191 )... Most sealers will cure overnight, but to be rebuilt to the to. Your issue with J-B weld to blend out in Poly tanks, Tech-Patches are recommended or paint flakes dry. Requires you to drain hot fuel out of the rod so they are lightweight and durable ein Rückenaufnäher ein. Black to the extent possible area by removing any oil, grease, tar or dirt, etc rebuild tank! Washer seals the hole simply rinse out the sheet metal is a lot lower heat than braze is cleaned oil... Take longer to cure more than 1 to 2 in ( 2.5 )... Tank does sustain small holes or tears, there are several rust holes welding! Are more expensive than repairing old ones, but to be painted as 's. Repair it as soon as how to patch a metal gas tank have said loss of substrate due to,. Replace your gas tank you ’ re done with the arrival of COVID-19, stakes. A decade nice wipe down to get a message when this question is answered the body around... Up weakening the repair of a gas tank on your own, take it to the perimeter to the ’. Putty that matches the gas tank, especially on a metal gas tank::. 'S por15 and KBS coatings as you have to make the process much quicker high-quality! Arrival of COVID-19, the crack, try cutting off a 1 in 2.5! Into plastic gas tanks seldom leak and mark it with JB weld, consider using epoxy putty my brand one! Hot welding gun until it has dried, refill the tank you repairing on solid, flat ground attempting.