Gas tank repair

[jd30gp]

I"ve got a GP gas tank with internal rust issues and dime size holes about the area of 2 fingers. Read about companies installing liners but cant find good testimonials. Any recomendations and experiences with such? Thank You

 

[P Browning]

Here is one you may elect to try. Moyer Fuel Tank Renu, (800)328-9550, or visit their website (below). You can take a bunch of pictures, send them by e-mail & get a quote. (PatB)
Fuel Tank Renu

 

[F-I-T]

A good tank/sheet metal man can place a patch over just about any size hole, but the majority of the work is in forming the patch correctly. If the area is flat-ish, you can cut back to sound metal, flange the perimeter, then lay the patch into the counter sink, much like laying a body panel seam. I like to place "spot weld" holes every so often along the patch edge, then I dot it in place using a light current mig, and filling those holes, then grind flush. You can also dot along the seam, jumping around to keep things as cool as you can. Clean it really well, then flash it with copper using some Copper Sulfate crystals dossolved in distilled water. Brush that on and the steel will take on a copper sheen which will accept solder really well. Now solder the area using a soldering copper, and you should have no leaks that require a lining agent. If you do use a liner, and I have not had the need to use one for some time, I like Red-Kote. It is impervious to diesel fuel, kerosene, Naptha, and gasoline, but because of its chemistry, you can dissolve it any time using Methyl Ethyl Ketone, so if you are unhappy with it, you can dissolve it and swish it out. With the epoxy type and urethane liners you are stuck with them for life, and if for some reason they crack or begin to lift, you'll have a heck of a time getting them etched enough to take on a second coat of themselves.

Be sure to clean the tank really well before proceeding with any type of repair that requires heat or flame. I have a cleaning procedure that I have used for years posted on my web site if you are interested. It has not failed me yet.

HTH

Frank
F I Ts restoration tips page Fuel Tank Cleaning