fuel tank repair

M

maryswensen

New member
While drilling for the installation of the bennet tabs, I hit the tank. Probably a dimple no more than a half a millimeter. I would like to fill it but an unsure that epoxy is the best answer nor is it compatible with the tank material.

Any help would , as usual, be appreciated
 
Mary C-

They make gasoline compatible sealing compounds for work on supply lines, fittings, to patch holes, etc. Go to a good, knowledgeable auto or marine supply store and ask at the parts desk. Be sure they know you're using it for marine use.

If I could, I'd use a sheet metal screw or similar screw twisted and set into the hole with the sealing compound for a combination mechanical bonding (screw) and sealant.

Some days that durned drill bit has a bit of the Devil in it!

Good Luck!

Joe.
 
Joe;

Thanks for the ideas.

The devil did not go through the tank wall but rather left what I described to my Dad as a nick.

The screw treatment might be overkill inthis case.

I will search for the sealant.

Again, Thanks
 
There are hot gun "welds" (for example JC Whitney) and special epoxies for plastics. One of the epoxies I read about recently (sorry I don't remember the name), involved "hardening" of the polyethylene with a torch before applying the special epoxy. Both of these techniques involve heat, and so the tank would have to be fully empty of gas and pruged with inert gas such as nitrogen, or washed out.

I have also roughed up poly prop and ethylene water tanks, with #36 sand paper and then put a cloth epoxy patch over the area.

Epoxy and sealants like 5200 generally don't adhere well to the Poly ethylene and poly prolene.
 
does anyone know what the 18gal gas tanks were made out of in 1999 are these going to be compatable with the new e-10 and more ethanol gases that we encounter .Are they fiberglass or are they polypropolene?or some other manmade substance thanks
 
My 1989 16 Angler came with a Tempo Products C2814 tank. It is stamped ABYC H-25 Standard Approved and is 28 gal. It is a red poly looking material.

The tank is not presently installed on the boat because the previous owner replaced it with a smaller tank because of a cracked seal under one of the fittings.
 
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