Pressure tank repair...

[55'Fleetwin7.5]

I have an old two line pressure tank that has a small hole in the bottom... Maybe it was set down where there was a rock or something.. I did not notice until I removed the cap. The vapor lock was brken and it started leaking underneath... Can a tank like this be welded? Shame to chuck it out... they are getting hard to come by. Any thoughts?

 

[F_R]

Re: Pressure tank repair...

They sure must have set it down mighty hard. Anyway, use a big soldering iron and acid core solder and solder it. Any heat from a flame or arc is absolute disaster as you head for the moon. Big soldering irons are getting to be mighty rare. I found one on e-bay.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Pressure tank repair...

If the hole was from rust, chuck it. If it was punctured, it might be worth trying to repair. I don't know about welding though. Might be tough finding a welder that's willing.

 

[55'Fleetwin7.5]

Re: Pressure tank repair...

Not familiar with a "big" soldering iron... I have ones I use to make electronics repair... What do I search for? (Big)?

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Pressure tank repair...

If you remove the top canister assembly and wash the tank out thoroughly with soapy water, there is no reason why you can't weld it... We do it all the time when removing dents from integral tanks.
- Scott

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Pressure tank repair...

you will need a rebuild kit for the tank, there are 2 types, metal push button,, and black plastic push button. kit at laingsoutboards.com.

 

[jameskb2]

Re: Pressure tank repair...

If you remove the top canister assembly and wash the tank out thoroughly with soapy water, there is no reason why you can't weld it... We do it all the time when removing dents from integral tanks.
- Scott

I agree. After removing the gas do as Chinewalker said. You could use a propane torch or hotter to make the repair.

Once it's finished and you've tested it, rinse it with Isopropyl Alcohol to make it ready for fuel mix.

 

[F_R]

Re: Pressure tank repair...

Not familiar with a "big" soldering iron... I have ones I use to make electronics repair... What do I search for? (Big)?

Electronics soldering irons are worthless for metal work. Big is at least 150 watts and has a solid copper tip at least as big as your pinky finger. Search for 320243819178

 

[mchin]

Re: Pressure tank repair...

I once had a plumber come to my house and he had a huge soldering iron, like way bigger then anything you'd ever find in radio shack. he used it to sweat small pipes in tight places, like 1/2 copper pipes, buried in the wall. Maybe ask a plumber friend?

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Pressure tank repair...

Make sure it's an old plummer. Galvanized guttering used to be soldered together with a "big" soldering iron. Actually, just a shaped chunk of cast iron on the end of a handle heated with a blow-torch. When heated, roll it in sal ammoniac(flux) and put it to the guttering along with a bar of solder.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Pressure tank repair...

You guys are making a big project out of it. Try JB weld or gas tank leak stop that you can buy at any auto store. Personally I'd try JB weld as I know it will work and is gas resistant. Sand the area first.