fuel tank repair

[Kalaehina]

I think I have a small hole in my fuel tank, not sure yet but I'm plannig on dropping my tank to do the fuel sending unit repair on Wednesday so I'll find out. Is it possible to repair a hole, if it's not that major of course. I thought I read in the TDR that some kind of epoxy could be used, is this true? And if so what type am I supposed to use? Thanks and Merry Christmas everyone!

 

[illflem]

Napa sells several fuel tank repair products. I am only familiar with the ones for metal tanks since they spring leaks due to rust more often. They probably offer a kit for plastic as well. Some places can also "weld" plastic tanks. I'll bet your tank itself isn't leaking, more likely it's the gasket on the fuel tank module or one of the hoses. Clean the tank well and try to pin-point the leak.

 

[Doc Tinker]

Illflem is right about the patch kits that you can get at NAPA. I've seen them at other parts supply houses too.



I believe the kit for fuel can be used on either the steel or plastic tanks. The kit comes with epoxy, sandpaper, small brush, piece of fiberglass fabric and a stick of oilsoap that will plug the hole temporarily, so you can glob on the stuff.





Doc

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Nothing seems to work very well with polyethylene, the polymer that our tanks are made of. OTOH, they seldom give trouble unless damaged by a rock, etc.



Why not get a stock take-off tank from someone who upgraded to an aftermarket tank (the Transfer Flow replacement tank won't fit regular cab Rams). I don't know how high the shipping would be to go to Hawaii, though.

 

[JYoung]

Leaky Fuel Tank

I have to agree with JD. The black plastic used for fuel tanks would probably accept a patch initially, but will most likely have a repeat again. I tried to repair a white plastic polyetheline tank in my boat first with one of those tank repair kits from an RV place. It held for a short while then leaked. A body shop then used this special cream colored epoxy used for ground effects repairs. It held longer but eventually leaked. I replaced the tank and that is that. If the leak is at a seem or is a slit, replace the tank. If it is a puncture hole, a quick fix can be to drill a hole where the pucture is and use 2 rubber washers and stainless nut/bolt set-up and sandwich the hole. Fuel tanks are not expensive and in some cases even diesel fuel can ignite.