My gas tank is cracked? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

13lazer · 04-18-2009, 09:11 PM

Does anyone have some advice on how i can repair my cracked gas tank. Its a 1985 suburban, and it looks like i hit a rock or something. The tank is dripping gas fairly quickly. I want to use some gas proof epoxy. I'd like to not have to drop the tank. Obviously i can't braze it without dropping it.

Any advice would be appreciated.

slash crashley · 04-18-2009, 09:20 PM

i've heard of using jb weld in a pinch as a temp fix. also i remember a few years back a product used to fix splits in petroleum tanks... ack, i can't remember it for the life of me. it was pliable like plasticine and then hardened.

**old Rusty C10** · 04-18-2009, 09:40 PM

any of those kind of products dont last the best thing to do is either pull the tank and repair it or swap it out

silvereagle07 · 04-18-2009, 09:50 PM

Like old rusty said, swap it out new or used. Products like JB Weld won't last.

3r!c84 · 04-18-2009, 10:47 PM

empty the tank and sand down where the hole is and jb weld it up it will last ,idk how long?

worked on my 84 atc gas tank never had a problem

13lazer · 04-18-2009, 11:29 PM

thanks guys, the jb weld idea is what im looking for right now. i just wasn't sure if the gas would break down the epoxy. i'll swap it out when i can, but right now its my daily driver.

pig rig · 04-19-2009, 01:57 AM

the gas will eat the JB weld it will work for a day or two

I had a tank with a pin hole in it that was discovered on a trip cross country. and over the week and half that I was gone I probly spent $200 on temp fixes for a $100 tank
so my advise is put a new tank in it and be done with it

Tantrix · 04-19-2009, 02:22 AM

Either pull it and get it welded, or order a new tank. I got a brand new 20 gal fuel tank and sending unit for my '76 C10 from RockAuto for $157.66 shipped to my door. I pulled 2 tanks from other trucks but found they were about to rust through and start leaking too. If you go look for an old one to pull, be sure to inspect it well because they are notorious for rusting through.

PhilaTruck · 04-19-2009, 03:23 AM

Gas won't break down epoxy. I would use that as a stop-gap and fix it the right way later. Don't mess with leaking fuel.

billnorman · 04-19-2009, 05:52 AM

Gas or gas fumes love sparks. That said, I repaired a lot of tanks by removing and draining them, running water through them for a couple of hours, draining them, putting the rusty area upward, and grinding the holy area down with a 9 inch 80 grit sander. The object is to remove the rust, but as little of the metal as possible. Then mix up some Bondo or other hockypuck filler, and repair the area, forcing the filler through the holes. By the time you get it back in it should have cured. I have had great success with this method, but if you blow yourself up, don't come running to me when you get out of rehab.

PhilaTruck · 04-20-2009, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billnorman

I have had great success with this method, but if you blow yourself up, don't come running to me when you get out of rehab.

Now that was funny!

454HO · 04-21-2009, 09:34 AM

JB Weld should work fine as a temporary fix. I can't recall how many times I have seen it recommended to seal the well plugs on Q-Jet carbs.

Look at the number one usage for autos on their web page -

Quote:

AUTOS, MOTORCYCLES, MECHANICAL
fuel tanks
radiators
cracked engine blocks
transmission & rear-end casings
cylinder heads & sleeves
generators, starters, water & fuel pumps
axles & hubs
valve guides
press fit bearings
crankshaft pulleys
casting defects
door stops
key ways
stripped threads
body shop repairs

And read their product description page -

Quote:

Mechanics -- you can use J-B WELD with confidence. It is designed for safe, reliable, permanent repairs in engine compartments and heated environments up to 500° F. It's strong as steel and impervious to water, gasoline, chemicals, and acids. Working with J-B WELD is quick, easy, and convenient -- and saves you time, work, and money!

**78 Big10 454** · 04-19-2009, 07:09 AM

13lazer: I'm LAFD retired. Go over to Fire Station 48 in San Pedro. They have a Haz-Mat squad and ask them what they use to seal a leaking gas tank.

oldgmc · 04-19-2009, 08:58 AM

In my local NAPA the have a product on the rack that is to repair leaking tanks I forget the maker maybe permatex of 3m.
Never used it but if I were to try a patch I would use one that is advertised for the repair.
However I would consider any patch a temp and put in a new tank when time allows,

04-18-2009, 09:11 PM	#1
13lazer 13lazers' blazers Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: San Pedro, CA Posts: 152	My gas tank is cracked? Does anyone have some advice on how i can repair my cracked gas tank. Its a 1985 suburban, and it looks like i hit a rock or something. The tank is dripping gas fairly quickly. I want to use some gas proof epoxy. I'd like to not have to drop the tank. Obviously i can't braze it without dropping it. Any advice would be appreciated. __________________ 1970 2wd blazer 1972 1ton blazer 4x4 in progress 1966 mustang coupe (modified) 1985 c20 suburban tow rig 1996 462 ranger with a 150 efi merc. a former B.A.S.S. tournament boat almost all exempt from california smog laws intentionally.

04-18-2009, 09:20 PM	#2
slash crashley lucky knuckles Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: orlando, florida Posts: 124	i've heard of using jb weld in a pinch as a temp fix. also i remember a few years back a product used to fix splits in petroleum tanks... ack, i can't remember it for the life of me. it was pliable like plasticine and then hardened. Last edited by slash crashley; 04-18-2009 at 09:21 PM.

04-18-2009, 09:40 PM	#3
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,310	Re: My gas tank is cracked? any of those kind of products dont last the best thing to do is either pull the tank and repair it or swap it out __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

04-18-2009, 09:50 PM	#4
silvereagle07 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bailey, NC Posts: 2,462	Re: My gas tank is cracked? Like old rusty said, swap it out new or used. Products like JB Weld won't last. __________________ Jeramy '84 GMC project truck '85 Chevy 4X4 SOLD '07 Chevy Trailblazer SS 5th Annual SHPHC Car/Truck Show Pics http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=543605 UPDATED PICS! CHECK 'EM OUT

04-18-2009, 10:47 PM	#5
3r!c84 Badass Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: lox. fl Posts: 4,586	Re: My gas tank is cracked? empty the tank and sand down where the hole is and jb weld it up it will last ,idk how long? worked on my 84 atc gas tank never had a problem __________________ Think outside the box? -84c10 (1stcar)→My Build← -00 Saturn 5spd drop a gear and disappear! 1/4:13:90

04-18-2009, 11:29 PM	#6
13lazer 13lazers' blazers Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: San Pedro, CA Posts: 152	Re: My gas tank is cracked? thanks guys, the jb weld idea is what im looking for right now. i just wasn't sure if the gas would break down the epoxy. i'll swap it out when i can, but right now its my daily driver. __________________ 1970 2wd blazer 1972 1ton blazer 4x4 in progress 1966 mustang coupe (modified) 1985 c20 suburban tow rig 1996 462 ranger with a 150 efi merc. a former B.A.S.S. tournament boat almost all exempt from california smog laws intentionally.

04-19-2009, 01:57 AM	#7
pig rig Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: washington the state Posts: 730	Re: My gas tank is cracked? the gas will eat the JB weld it will work for a day or two I had a tank with a pin hole in it that was discovered on a trip cross country. and over the week and half that I was gone I probly spent $200 on temp fixes for a $100 tank so my advise is put a new tank in it and be done with it __________________ my sports car rolls on six wheels only because I'm to fat to get in and out of new corvette http://hubgarage.s3.amazonaws.com/ph...ped_detail.JPG

04-19-2009, 02:22 AM	#8
Tantrix Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Louisiana, CSA Posts: 41	Re: My gas tank is cracked? Either pull it and get it welded, or order a new tank. I got a brand new 20 gal fuel tank and sending unit for my '76 C10 from RockAuto for $157.66 shipped to my door. I pulled 2 tanks from other trucks but found they were about to rust through and start leaking too. If you go look for an old one to pull, be sure to inspect it well because they are notorious for rusting through.

04-19-2009, 03:23 AM	#9
PhilaTruck Right on the line, baby! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Phila, PA 19130 Posts: 1,486	Re: My gas tank is cracked? Gas won't break down epoxy. I would use that as a stop-gap and fix it the right way later. Don't mess with leaking fuel. __________________ 83 GMC 406 th400/3.73 Eaton Truetrac posi, headers, x pipe, & racePros. Tubular control arms, lowering rear springs, caltracs. Still ugly, but getting built right, although slowly Click and scroll down for site vendors! Subscribe here!

04-19-2009, 05:52 AM	#10
billnorman Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: glen burnie md Posts: 174	Re: My gas tank is cracked? Gas or gas fumes love sparks. That said, I repaired a lot of tanks by removing and draining them, running water through them for a couple of hours, draining them, putting the rusty area upward, and grinding the holy area down with a 9 inch 80 grit sander. The object is to remove the rust, but as little of the metal as possible. Then mix up some Bondo or other hockypuck filler, and repair the area, forcing the filler through the holes. By the time you get it back in it should have cured. I have had great success with this method, but if you blow yourself up, don't come running to me when you get out of rehab.

04-19-2009, 07:09 AM	#13
78 Big10 454 78 Big10 454 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Pismo Beach, CA Posts: 839	Re: My gas tank is cracked? 13lazer: I'm LAFD retired. Go over to Fire Station 48 in San Pedro. They have a Haz-Mat squad and ask them what they use to seal a leaking gas tank.

04-19-2009, 08:58 AM	#14
oldgmc Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: nj Posts: 54	Re: My gas tank is cracked? In my local NAPA the have a product on the rack that is to repair leaking tanks I forget the maker maybe permatex of 3m. Never used it but if I were to try a patch I would use one that is advertised for the repair. However I would consider any patch a temp and put in a new tank when time allows,



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