Adhesive/Epoxy that won't dissolve in gasoline? (2025 Update)

Dec 02, 2024 Last reply: 1 year ago 6 Replies
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Hi there,



Curious if anyone can recommend an epoxy/adhesive that will both adhere to HDPE plastic and not dissolve in gasoline? A bit of backstory..



Shortly after purchasing a used car I planned to subject to winter duty, the plastic gas tank wiggled itself loose and made contact with the spinning driveshaft, wearing a nice elongated hole in the tank. With no nearby replacement available, I went down the rabbit hole of plastic welding HDPE tanks, and successfully closed that hole. With this fix replacement tank straps were acquired, and the risk of a shifting tank was abated. 20,000+ miles and a year later, the plastic weld is letting go, and gas is leaking again.. I can hardly be annoyed that the weld held on for as long as it did, but I opted for a hopefully permanent fix this time.



I picked up a replacement tank, but upon delivery, I found the tray that the pump sits in had broken free from the tank itself. The yellow tray seen in this picture:

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It appears to have originally been glued in placed, judging by this picture:
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I really don't like the idea of this tray sloshing around in the tank, potentially knocking off the pickup sock at the worst time, so I'm looking for recommendations of adhesive that can stand to survive being submerged in gasoline permanently. I've found a few options, such as LOCTITE 1252795 and Seal-All, but figured I'd ask to see if anyone recommends something else.



What would you use to secure the tray in this situation?


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P

Not only will the glue need to withstand gasoline but also Ethanol and water. About 50% of the gas stations in the USA use double wall FRP pipe and the pipe joints are epoxy glued with epoxy made for that. The other 50% use double wall HDPE but they are not glued. They are either hot welded or clamped. I don't know of any glue that will adhere to HDPE. BTW, the photos don't work.

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Interesting, I appreciate the info, and apologize for the non-functioning pictures. Please see the updated links:

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- Tray in question
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- Leftovers in tank where the tray sat

I'm finding similar difficulties with folks attempting to get anything to adhere to HDPE as well. I might end up needing to source another tank..

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I see... I manage fuel contractors every day. I no longer have to be covered in gasoline or diesel, or breath the fumes. Now I just manage... North America. I don't know of a glue type stuff that can be constantly immersed in gasoline. Even the fuel piping epoxy needs to be heated to ~150F / 65C for 30 minutes to fully cure. You could try fuel resistant Permatex epoxy. Rough up both the tank and tray first so the epoxy has something to grab onto. That's the problem with HDPE... it is slick. Maybe there is enough "Leftovers" sticking to the tank and tray for the Permatex epoxy to stick to.

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Thank you, I really appreciate the information. I'll pick up some Permatex locally tomorrow and give it a shot. Thank you again.

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Hi there,

Much later than I intended, but I wanted to post an update to this post. I ended up sourcing another plastic fuel tank that had that tray still intact. I figured with this car being used during the winter months as a 'winter beater' I didn't want to leave an issue that could leave me stranded on the side of the road in less than ideal conditions. I appreciate the wisdom that was shared however!

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Thank you for the update. I agree with you on getting a replacement tank.

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