Hole in fuel tank - options ?

[Ozzie Goat]

Apparently something 'dinged' my aluminum fuel tank.

There is a chevron shaped defect in the metal, and fuel is seeping through.

What options do I have, or is it replace the tank ?

Roy

[Ozzie Goat]

image link does not appear to function
see my gallery for the image

[monster7]

I had the same problem.
I hat to empty the tank, then remove, dry it completely (!!) and went to a welder who welded it under inert gas.
There is maybe a chance to seal it with an fuel resistant sealer or liquid metal.
Personally, i was not looking for any compromises

[6t8stang]

A little JB Weld should seal it!

[spdbrake]

JB Weld does make a tank sealer.

AutoWeld | J-B Weld
[ame]https://www.amazon.com/J-B-Weld-8217-AutoWeld-Repair/dp/B00R2CDUWE[/ame]

[Stearman]

Try Click bond until it gets welded. JB weld does work, but this product is very clean and professional looking finish. CLICK BOND REPAIR PATCH KIT from Aircraft Spruce

[spdbrake]

Originally Posted by Stearman

Try Click bond until it gets welded. JB weld does work, but this product is very clean and professional looking finish. CLICK BOND REPAIR PATCH KIT from Aircraft Spruce

Great tip. I've used Clickbond Tie mounts and the Nutplates on windsheld frames for years. Never thought about it for a temp leak repair.

Thanks.
Click Patchâ„¢ Products - Click Bond, Inc.

[MKS427]

In a pinch, a sheet metal screw with an o-ring will work.
JB Weld products are good. If it works with the fuel in tank, would look into that.

[Ozzie Goat]

Thanks everyone.
I took it to the welder.
I don't trust my 'fixes'

[520SC]

Ooops. Ozzie Goat, I missed your last post. Good to hear that you chose the safest route.



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From the JB Weld website: "When fully cured, J-B Weld is completely resistant to water, gasoline, and about every other petroleum product or automotive chemical. For wet-surface or submerged water or gasoline repairs, try our SteelStik or WaterWeld."

I've used WaterWeld to seal a small gas tank leak on my boat. It's been over a year and it's still leak tight. Of course, the better (more permanent) solution would be to remove the tank, drain and dry it, and have a welder repair it using an argon purge to eliminate oxygen. However, getting the tank out the boat would require that I cut a big hole in the deck. So for now, I'm willing to periodically monitor for leakage.

[Ozzie Goat]

Thanks, Todd
I appreciate it