Thread:

Aluminum Gas Tanks

i had a pin hole in one of my gas tanks. for me it was hard to find the leak once my tank was out...had mine welded...we think it happened from electrolysis. the only visible indication of the leak was a little discoloration of the aluminum...
mine looked great on the inside....
if yours is real bad you could replace the whole bottom......
as for vents...
the gas cap works as a vent...(not sure how-but they must).......

......i have rarely seen separate tank vent lines on jetboats..........

Originally Posted by ry-guy

I have dual aluminum gas tanks in my Eliminator Sport, One of them has a pinhole leak in the bottom. The other tank has some corrosion on the bottom that looks like it could start leaking soon. Is there any way to stop this corrosion? Is there and any sealer I can use on inside of the tank. Do you think it would be safer to have somebody replace the entire bottom of the tank then seal it? Just checking my options here?

I have another question too. The tanks do not have any type of vent. I thought the fuel fills were vented but they are not. I'm surprised the boat even ran without going into vapor lock. What is the correct way of venting the fuel system if I have an enclosed engine compartment?


Thanks

ry-guy

Not aware of any sealer. Usually if we have a problem we have a welder that will repair the tank.As far as the second tank clean it the best you can and then pressure test if it holds pressure, run it. When you close the cap on your gas fill the center screw that holds the rubber gasket will alow enough venting. If you are running a high horsepower engine drill some small holes around the flat plate next to the screw that holds the rubber gasket.Remember when pressure testing use very low air pressure the tank was factory tested with only a few pounds.

Aviation supply companies that carry products and supplies for homebuilt experimental aircraft carry a product called a sloshing compound or sealer that you pour into the tank, move it all around to coat the inside, it seals any pinholes, leaks, etc. It is impervious to aviation gas, so should be good for any gasoline...shouldn't be too hard to track down.
I used it in the tank on my project, and it was easy to use and did the job. Aluminum gas tanks sold for aircraft are similar to boat tanks with welded seams that can have pinholes....
Good luck,
Gordon

Originally Posted by rotorrider

Aviation supply companies that carry products and supplies for homebuilt experimental aircraft carry a product called a sloshing compound or sealer that you pour into the tank, move it all around to coat the inside, it seals any pinholes, leaks, etc. It is impervious to aviation gas, so should be good for any gasoline...shouldn't be too hard to track down.
I used it in the tank on my project, and it was easy to use and did the job. Aluminum gas tanks sold for aircraft are similar to boat tanks with welded seams that can have pinholes....
Good luck,
Gordon

...Might want to check with the mfg on wheather this product will stand up to todays ethenol fuels???... ...Por 15 that was used for saving fuel tanks in classic cars did not stand up...

My fuel tanks have seperate vents. I would personally weld up the pinhole but would JB weld work in this case guys? Easy to use stuf and seals up pretty good.

Gas Tank Sealer Kits - Eastwood Gas Tank Sealer

Used this on my 70 chevy pickup, it had a aluminum tank behind the seat that leaked..

Originally Posted by H20MOFO

Long story short....I was told to weld on a gas tank...it had to be steam cleaned first...or the there could be enough fuel in the pores of the metal to cause an explosion when heat was applied. Maybe that was just a ploy for that welder to get an extra 65 bucks outta me

Maybe old school but have welded and seen fuel tanks welded BUT not before pumping carbon monoxide thru to remove any oxygen. No air --no fire!!

They make a product called Cream. Has 2 parts. A cleaner and another liquid you put in and roll the tank around. If you still have a real radiator shop in your area most boil them out and weld or coat them for repair.

my brother uses a fuel tank liner on all his repairs and says it works great=RED-COTE=MANUFACTURED AND GUARANTEED BY DAMON INDUSTRIES=1-800-362-9850