Sealing hole in plastic fuel tank????

[MikeD74T]

I'd get a new tank or at least check EBAY for a used one. Beyond that I've found ShoeGoo will stick to things better than most alternatives. MikeD74T

 

[The Dougster]

I created a small tear in one of my diesel fuel cans... about 5-inches + - and I sealed it with JB Weld.... has held fuel for almost a year now...

 

[LMTC]

JB Weld. Plastic must be clean of all residue (try brake parts cleaner), dry, warm. Scuff lightly with steel wool or light sandpaper. Apply to inside if possible, pushing a bit through the hole and pressing it against the outside surface. If it must be done from the outside, flatten over the hole, again pressing some through the hole to form a plug of sorts; try to stick something into the tank to press the JB Weld against the inside surface around the hole. Allow to set at least 24 hours, preferably 48, and even longer if temps are below 60 or so. I've repaired plastic and metal fuel tanks with JB Weld, and never have found anything else to work. JB Weld definitely works best when given lots of time to cure in moderately warm temps. First tank I repaired was on an old Gravely 20+ years ago, and I know it held at least 2-3 years because I had the machine that long after repair.

 

[heehaw]

"if" the tank is pvc, try the pvc cleaner for pipe, an then use the pvc solvent to glue a patch over the hole: depending on cost, replacement is probably the best solution.
heehaw

 

[RobertN]

In the past, I have punched a hole in a dirt bike tank. Had a fellow who used part of the fender that broke at the same time, used a hot air gun to weld the hole up. Could hardly tell it ever happened.

I would check Ebay. There is sooooo much stuff out there.

Check Arboristsite.com too. It is like the TBN of chainsaws and other 2-stroke motors. If you can not find it thru arboristsite, then it does not exist...

Might also search Craigslist.

example from Ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-STIHL-Trimm...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3c9d490bda

 

[jinman]

If you need a temporary emergency repair, a sheetmetal screw with a rubber washer can often seal or reduce the leak to a tiny seep. I would try to drill out the hole if it wasn't a crack and then carefully install the screw just tight enough to seal.

Also, many tanks have fuel lines that compress slightly and that's all they need to form a seal into what is normally a reinforced hole. If your tank material is thick enough, you might try cutting a fuel line at an angle and insert it carefully into the hole you've drilled out smooth instead of using the screw. Plug the end of the hose, clamp it shut, or insert something like a toothpick as a tiny stopper and you'll be good to go.

Both of these methods should be considered temporary until you have found a replacement fuel tank.

 

[brin]

If it's not a big hole you could use a rubber washer and a screw...just a thought.