how to seal a leaking fuel tank

[paul6693]

hi all anyone any idea how to seal a leaking deisel fuel tank on my pals horse box,it failed it's m o t on a small hole in the cab floor,a couple off side marker lights and a leaking fuel tank.i can deal with the other bits but can't get the tank out till weekend,can i weld this if it's holed or is there some kind of sealer if it's the seams..........any help most welcome.....cheers..

 

[madkayaker]

chemical metal would be my first try or less fuel in it at time of test

 

[BMH]

Try a product called petro patch, i have done a couple of tanks with this stuff and it works great.

Bryan

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Have a look on www.frost.co.uk - they have stuff for sealing tanks, but best check with them to be sure it's suitable for diesel tanks.

 

[Howburn]

I have used Pet Seal with success.

There is some good info about it and other tank sealant here.

http://www.100-biker.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=21356

 

[pidgeon chit welder]

Get the tank off , steam clean it, remove all gunge from inside ..cut an acess hole to see the state inside of of the tank if needs be and do a sweated soldered patch on it , if it is leaking at a seam you're going to have a big job for you will most likely have to cap the whole seam if it is a rusted through folded joint ..
If it is that bad it's leaking fuel you can bet your bottom dollar its going to leak elsewhwere as well once you temp repair it.

Most of the chemical patches are only temp solutions . It is very difficult to remove all traces and flims of oil & paint off the metal by abrasion and paint stripping especially in the case of Petro Patch
Diesel is hydroscopic and will creep along even the tiniest of cracks and along surfaces ( makes a fair nut freeing liquid over a few days use ) .

I've repaired numerous 200 & less sized gallon tanks with it in the past and it has always ended up in having to have a fully reconditioned or new tank put in place.

 

[mrcheese]

Did you know diesel dissolves chewing gum?