Leaking Fuel Tank

[Steve_S]

The fuel tank on my '46 A was holding fuel fine until I had it chemical dipped. Now gas is dripping steadily from the output flange. I assume there was some sort of sealer in there and the chemical dip ate it away. What to do now? I'd rather not smear a bunch of epoxy around the flange because it's ugly, and because from what I've read it will eventually fail. Is welding the only permanent fix?

 

[Steve_S]

The photo didn't take. Lets try this again...

 

[Steve_S]

Ok, a third try. The forum won't let me edit or delete posts, not sure why.

 

[fixerupper]

The chemical cleaned out the rust that was sealing the crack. You could use a pour in tank liner on the inside or you could get an epoxy made for gasoline to put on the outside. Best way is to solder it if you or someone close by has the capabilities.

 

[Steve_S]

I hadn't considered solder. Great idea! I'll look into it, thanks.

 

[David G]

It looks like that had a gasket and then riveted in place, that is a pretty big area to solder.

 

[D-]

I don't think it had a gasket but rather was soldered and riveted.
Also looks like it has been already worked on plus holes soldered.
I would use tank sealer. There are at least two types. One is thinner
and gets hard the other thicker stays somewhat pliable and seals holes
up to 1/16.
There is also a sealer in a tube for gas tanks. I bought a tube for a
truck tank but haven't used it yet. Mr Fixit or something like that in
Red Magazine has used it for years and highly recommends it.
Dollar General and Home Depot has it. I think it's called something like
Seals All. You can Google it.

 

[rick deere]

take it off and use sealer inside it or get another tank.Remember gas could be dangerous with a flame.

 

[Steve_S]

I have an old school radiator shop nearby and he says he's repaired this problem countless times by soldering or brazing. I'll have him take a look on Monday and if he isn't confident then I can probably drill out the rivets and have the flange welded in place, then put dummy heads where the rivets were so no one knows the difference. The tank is in beautiful condition inside and out so I'd hate to scrap it. Looks almost new inside, no trace of rust or pitting.

Fortunately the tank was just chemical dipped and only had one gallon of fuel in it to test run the engine, so fumes will be minimal. I appreciate all the info!

 

[David G]

I would take a cutoff wheel and cut the rivets off first it you are planning to remove the cover.

 

[Mike M]

Looks original to me ? Pull the tank, clean up the area and resolder it all around the edges and also go over the rivets too. I'd leave the rivets alone just resolder over them like it was when new.
By the way tank liner will not work to seal that area because it will crack when you tighten the fuel bowl in again. BTDT !