Fuel Tank Repair?

The JB weld should work just fine if you properly clean the surface. Sand
it down to bare metal, no paint at all for at least 3/4 inch from any edge
of the repair. One inch is better. Clean it really clean with acetone. If
you use white paper towels to rub the acetone into the part, it's very easy
to see when the part is clean, because the paper towel won't show any dirt.
Then you make sure you mix the pucky THOROUGHLY. Don't think the hardener
will creep through later, because it don't. Mix it with one stick for at
least 90 seconds, 120 is better. Do use a clock to time yourself. Apply it
with a different stick to make sure you only have THOROUGHLY mixed pucky in
your repair. Smear a thin layer into the surface like your life depends on
it, and then pile it on smoothly, trying to ensure there aren't any air
bubbles. If you need it, you can probably lay a small piece of tissue paper
over the hole to hold up the goo once the thin layer is smeared on.
Cigarette rolling papers work well here. Once it's on like you like it, you
can speed things up a little with a hair dryer. Don't get it too hot or it
will blister, but you can get it to 100 F trouble free. After it's hard you
can sand it smooth with a hard block and some sand paper. Fill the low
spots, sand it again, clean it, prime it with a rattle can from the auto
parts store, and your tank is ready for paint. Did I mention the pucky
needs to be mixed very well? That's important to a successful repair. Have
fun.

 

When I did the tank off my honda. I turned it upside down, wiped it off,
mixed the JB Weld a bit with a splinter of firewood I picked up off the
floor and dabbed a little on with my finger. I let it sit overnight and
reinstalled the tank. The repair was on the underside in an inconspicuous
place, so I didn't worry about sanding/painting. It held for three years
and I sold the bike. While I'm sure Charlie's method is superior, the stuff
is pretty foolproof.

 

From: "LOTP" <>
To: "Zowie" <>
Subject: Re: Fuel Tank Repair?
Date: Saturday, March 19, 2005 12:33 PM

FWIW:

About 15 yrs ago I developed a pinhole leak in the bottom of my gas tank on
the way to work (35 miles from home). I got home using soap (bar) rubbed
into the leak...an old trick but not really safe or recommended. Once home
I demounted the tank, cleaned the area, slightly enlarged the hole, and used
Permatex two-part epoxy putty putty forced into the hole (in order to
mushroom on the inside). I later sealed the inside of the tank with Kreem
after proper cleaning and preparation. The tank is now on my son's bike and
still holding strong.

LOTP
2 Triumph Trophys
2 Suzukis
1 Kawasaki
1 Harley Sportster



----- Original Message -----
From: "Zowie" <>
Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles.tech
Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2005 2:59 PM
Subject: Fuel Tank Repair?

 

You could patch it, but I'd look to something like eBay where you have a
sizeable hole. Right now there is a "new" tank , Item number:
4535588682,going for around $100 (canadian?) and another tanke going for one
cent, but it still has 6 days to go.

 

I had a tank off of my seca that had simliar problem. Took it to local
guy, he drained, flushed it, stuck nozzle of shop vac in filler to
suck out fumes and welded it up no problems at all, hit it with some
factory tuoch up paint, and your riding again.