leaking gas tank

[ferdly1]

I have a leaking gas tank. Would like to know what glue or epoxy to use to repair it. Leaning towards JB weld. Any Opinions would be appreciated.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Forget repairing a fuel tank... Replace it

 

[cptrick3]

Wow. What kind of boat? How big is the tank? How big is the leak? Where is the leak? What caused the leak? What is your tank made of? Your question is like how high is up.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Boat tanks are NOT like leaking automobile tanks--exposed and dripping on the ground. The leaking boat tank will drip into the bilge and gasoline fumes are heavier than air so they stay there. Do yourself and your family a favor and replace the tank. You can scrimp on some things but Safety has no price.

 

[ferdly1]

Sorry I guess I didnt provide enough information. Its just my spare 6 gallon tank. Hard to explain this. Normally I would just replace it. Just retired and funds are limited. This is one of those walmart specials. The connector where the fuel goes in screws onto this plastic flange on the top of the tank. One of the fingers broke where the flange snaps onto the tank. Just looking for an epoxy thats gasoline resistant. It will be a permanent fix there is no need to ever take that assembly apart. I have used jb weld on metal never on plastic. I will be careful and test it really well with water before I put gas back in. I fix everything I can myself until it cant be repaired any more nothing goes to the shop or garage and thanks to these websites and folks like yall it makes everything easier. Thanks for all your help!!!!!

 

[Chris1956]

Epoxy on plastic is not the best solution, as the plastic will give and the epoxy will just crack. Also, adhesion is not the best.

How about a plastic glue?

 

[smokeonthewater]

This is one of those things that is not fixable.... If money is tight shop for a used tank.

 

[foodfisher]

There are plastic welders out there but probably more costly than replacement.

 

[muskyfins]

The plastic that gas tanks are made from is not glue-able. And we'd charge about $100/hour to weld it if and only if it was completely dry inside.

 

[cptrick3]

You have a used marine store in your area. I picked up an almost new tank for $35. Even new their less than $100. Be safe.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Probably find em for $5-10 at a garage sale or on craigslist.

 

[UncleWillie]

Plastic tanks are made of PolyEthylene(PE), a first cousin of Teflon(PtfE). They belong to the NonStick family.
PE can be melted but not glued without extreme prep measures and exotic solvents, and with mixed results.
This is a non-starter. Don't bother, unless you enjoy failure.

If it is a Moeller Tank, Give them a call.
If if broke under normal use conditions, they will commonly send a free replacement despite being years beyond the warranty period.
They really back their products! The last thing they want to see is a fatal accident with their name even mentioned in the report.