Fuel tank leak

K31 · Post by **K31** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 9:58 am

This weekend I decided to fix the seep at the bottom rear of my fuel tank using a fiberglass and epoxy patch sold by NAPA for fixing leaking fuel tanks. The seep became a drip during the prep, so I waited until the tank had stopped draining and applied it. The epoxy didn't cure, so I took it off again and re-prepped the spot. This time the hole grew to the size of a wooden pencil lead, and the drip became a stream. After completely draining the tank and ensuring the hole and surrounding area were completely dry, I filled the hole with the supplied mastic from a new kit, applied a new patch and epoxy and let cure for 24 hours. After it dried I added enough gas to get to the gas station. At about 14 gallons, the patch began leaking again.

I obviously need to try a different approach. Any ideas? I looked through the threads about "red death," and saw several references to tank welding and to tank sealers. Can this be done with the tank installed, or must it be removed? Does welding a spot affect the red coating? If I need to remove the tank, what replacement items should I have on hand to minimize Murphy's Law?

norcal pinz · Post by **norcal pinz** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 10:36 pm

if it was me i would take the gas tank off myself and have a professional clean the inside of the tank and repair the leak.

Jimm391730 · Post by **Jimm391730** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 11:49 pm

Try the stick epoxy that you knead together. On clean metal I have been able to make permanent tank repairs that never leaked or even weeped.

You must knead the epoxy thoroughly but quickly as you only have a couple of minutes before it starts to set. Feather the patch over the hole 1/4 to 1/2" on all sides around the hole, and allow it to be about 1/8" thick over the hole area.

Good luck,

Jim M.