Can you patch a tiny hole in a fuel tank

How tiny is tiny-a self tapper sealed with something that petrol wont soften ??? Stuart

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Remove YOURPANTS before E-mailing Me

It can be done, but be very careful. Tank has to be removed from vehicle and thoroughly cleaned to remove any trace of fuel vapour. If the hole is caused by either rust or wear from mounting straps etc then the whole area is likely in the same condition and liable to leak again. IMHO the labour involved isn't worth it unless it is an exceptionally expensive/rare item or the tank is sound and damage has been caused by puncture. HTH Nic.

Stuart mumbled:

You can get special petrol resistant putty.

You could try this.

Instructions on how to use the Frost stuff - it creates a rubber-like coating around the inside....

Tank sealer can be used on any metal tank with leaky seams, pinholes or rusty interiors. Not for use on leaking fibreglass tanks.

"POR-15 Tank sealer" will not react with oil, petrol, diesel or alcohol fuels.

Preparation Empty the tank, taking care to use a suitable container and correct disposal methods.

Remove the tank from the vehicle and take out the tank fittings.

Remove all foreign matter, fuel residues and loose rust from the tank by cleaning with a strong detergent-"POR-15 Marine Clean".

Mix a litre (one quart) of Marine Clean with an equal quantity of hot water and put in the tank for 24 hours agitating frequently.

The use of either a steam cleaner or pressure washer is helpful.

Repeat the process until the tank is clean.

Next use "POR-15 Metal Ready" to etch the inside of the tank and to remove all rust. The tank should be propped so that any badly rusted areas should be covered for at least ½ hour. A protective zinc phosphate coating is left on the interior walls.

Rinse the tank thoroughly with water several times to remove all traces of chemicals and then leave to dry. Use a hair dryer or airline for an extended period to blow through the tank to make sure no moisture remains.

YOU MUST INTRODUCE (WARM) MOVING AIR INTO THE TANK IF ALL MOISTURE IS TO BE REMOVED. IF ANY MOISTURE REMAINS THE SEALER WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY.

Sealing Seal all openings with duct tape except the filler neck. Any pinholes should also be covered.

Pour "POR-15Tank Sealer" down the filler and seal the neck.

Roll the tank over and over many times in opposite directions to ensure all the interior (and baffles) is totally coated. Do not allow the sealer to "puddle" in the tank. A tough, non-porous flexible film is left on the walls of the tank to keep moisture away permanently.

When the tank has been thoroughly coated remove the tape and allow the excess sealer to drain out. If a vent pipe is fitted, blow clear.

Allow 4 days to dry before filling with fuel.

After use do not keep excess Sealer in a sealed tin as it may explode.

If you are to paint the exterior of the tank, seal the tank first, as the sealer may discolour the paint.

Maintenance Fuel tanks should be kept full of fuel to prevent condensation and rusting. For vehicles not regularly used, "POR15 FUEL PRESERVATIVE/STABALISER" should be added to keep the fuel fresh.

What a palaver -I think I'd rther just buy a new tank .:-)) Stuart

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Remove YOURPANTS before E-mailing Me

On Thu, 02 Oct 2003 11:06:18 +0100, Stuart

->What a palaver -I think I'd rther just buy a new tank .:-))

You can get tank patches for a couple of quid, used one in May last year and it's still going strong, mined ewe chewing gum and UHU kept me going for the day