NEED SEALENT FOR 5 GAL PLASTIC GAS TANK

[Mild Bill]

GOT A 1 INCH 1 1/2IN CUT IN MY PLASTIC GAS TANK. IS THERE ANY SEALENT THAT WILL WITHSTAND GASOLINE??

 

[Mark Poss]

I’ve used JB Weld on steel gas tanks with great success. I think it would work on plastic also.

 

[Fixingfarmer]

Jbweld Tankweld product is gasoline resistant for this

Used it with some success for jobs like this and there’s a C farmall here with a fuel strainer held in place with it

 

[Ray,IN]

If the area is flat, consider plastic-welding a patch over the break. You need a specific product for plastic and some plastics are difficult to get anything to stick properly, but for a large hole as you described, IMO plastic-welding in the best option
The patch and "welding rod" must be of the same type as the plastic tank. Many are HDPE, some are not.

 

[Jim.ME]

Is this a tank on a machine that is not easily replaced, or is this some other type of tank?

 

[Charles in Aus.]

Times two on the plastic weld solution . As a novice, trying this for the first time I was amazed at how effective a soldering iron and a few zip ties can be .

 

[Tgrasher]

Have a tiller with a wrap around plastic gas tank that is part of the shroud of the engine. A varmint decided to chew a hole in the tank and left me with a leaking mess when I use the tiller. Everything I've used eventually gives way and starts leaking again. I'm going to try to plastic weld it this winter. Any tips on the process?

 

[Eman85]

Depending on what it's on and availability it might be worth it to just replace it and sleep better.

 

[Kevinwterry]

Are we talking about a gas tank fixed to a machine or a 5 gallon portable can?

Also, I know nothing of plastic welding, but a quick harbor frieght search has them getting from 500-1000 degrees. I would think you would have to prep the tank like you would a metal fuel tank as in get all the fuel vapors out.

If its just a portable can just toss it and by another.

 

[Mild Bill]

its not a large hole. its a 1 1/2 in c u t at the top of the can. i can see that nonna u are 78 and living on ss, which isnt living lol

 

[Jim.ME]

It could be that a number of us are near your age and living on social security, so it may not be just as you see it.

A good sealant that might hold for a while will likely run $10 maybe more. And it could take a couple tries before you get the results you want.

With a bit of shopping at yard sales, flea markets, Craigslist, and Facebook you can likely find a good used 5 gallon can for less than a sealant that will hold and seal your gas can reliably, or much less than getting the stuff to try plastic welding. There are a number of used cans advertised for $10 or less in those type places around here.

Just being realistic.

 

[scootergmc]

Are we talking about just a super narrow crack on the seam of the top of a tank at the handle or otherwise? If so, I say do what every other 78 year old guy would do and cover or wrap it tight with duct tape. When it bleeds through, do it again, and again, and again, so on so forth.

 

[Eman85]

None of us passed the mind reading course. A slice on top is a lot different than on the bottom. I'd try some epoxy like JB Weld.

 

[ss55]

None of us passed the mind reading course. A slice on top is a lot different than on the bottom. I'd try some epoxy like JB Weld.

Sounds like the OP could be talking about a gas can. Seems odd for a gas can to have a cut. If the gas can is older it could be a brittleness crack, with more cracks likely to follow. If it leaks again the lost fuel could cost as much as a new gas can. I would replace it. Maybe go with a smaller less expensive can that is lighter and easier to handle. If money is tight maybe ask if family has one to loan.

 

[farmersamm]

Even if you don't learn a stinkin' thing..................at least he's entertaining.............Eh?

 

[Ray,IN]

Sounds like the OP could be talking about a gas can. Seems odd for a gas can to have a cut. If the gas can is older it could be a brittleness crack, with more cracks likely to follow. If it leaks again the lost fuel could cost as much as a new gas can. I would replace it. Maybe go with a smaller less expensive can that is lighter and easier to handle. If money is tight maybe ask if family has one to loan.

I had a new Midwest brand plastic safety gas can split at the molded seam along the bottom. Called Midwest and sent pictures, reply was buy a new one. It had 4G of gasoline in it when I sat it in the garage, it was empty when I picked it up. That gas literally went down the drain.

 

[Barts Dad]

Times two on the plastic weld solution . As a novice, trying this for the first time I was amazed at how effective a soldering iron and a few zip ties can be .

I repaired a gas tank on my Grandsons go-kart using my Wen soldering gun and zip ties. Been two years now…guaranteed until it breaks.