rodent chewed hole in fuel tank DK45HST.....death to all rodents

[IndyIan]

I notice that my tank doesn't always vent completely so holds some vacuum or pressure at times. You might want to make sure your tank vents easily so your patch doesn't see extra stress.
Now I'm going to starve my cat and set up some mouse traps!

 

[MotorSeven]

Look Like An Animal - YouTube

 

[Gil Case]

You might try to put some ice and water shield roofing material on the outside of the tank over the patch. That stuff sticks to most anything, neatens up the looks of the patch and gives it some support.
I see it being used in NASCAR races to patch up various parts that need to be held together.... and then back on the track. I had an old metal shop vac that rusted through, a couple of layers of that stuff and it is as good as new--- well maybe not new but serviceable.

 

[grsthegreat]

OK, today i took the loader off, and removed all panels and hood to get a better look. After power washing and degreasing the mess left behind, i cleaned and applied the 15 minute JB weld in several stages.

There was more damage than i originally thought. i hope that this method works, cause i can see how hard removal of fuel tank will be. I am now going to attach some metal mesh screens to try and keep critters out in the future. ill take some pics of this if it works out. Ive ordered a new fuel tank. my dealer is giving me a deal....no shipping charges. anything helps at this time.

heres the damage and repair to date

 

[grsthegreat]

now, i added some 1/4" mesh screen to try and stop a repeat performance from said rodent. that, and ill check it every time i check oil from now on. who knew they would build a nest there and eat plastic.

Anyways, heres a few pics.

 

[aczlan]

Just be careful that the screen doesn't chafe on the tank...

Aaron Z

 

[grsthegreat]

Just be careful that the screen doesn't chafe on the tank...

Aaron Z

shouldnt move at all....really set in tight. the tank is really pretty thick. must have taken some time for rodent to chew thru it.

Ill probably swap out tank for the new one later this year...when i have some down time.

 

[Gil Case]

Teeth marks look too big for rodent of the mouse type, might have been a coon or a big rat.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Teeth marks look too big for rodent of the mouse type, might have been a coon or a big rat.

Might have been a squirrel, they chewed into the siding on my house with just about that size hole. Screen wire stopped them. I would save the wire and put it on the new tank if you ever replace it just to be safe.

 

[grsthegreat]

Might have been a squirrel, they chewed into the siding on my house with just about that size hole. Screen wire stopped them. I would save the wire and put it on the new tank if you ever replace it just to be safe.

im thinking squirrel myself. I will defiantly reuse screen on new tank also.

ill be filling this tank and checking if it leaks later today. sure hope it holds