Polyethylene tank for diesel

aj1976 · #1 03-13-2010, 02:23 AM

thanks for the replies everyone. I would definitely rather repair then replace the tank. It seems I am having trouble finding a platic tank that would fit as the tank I have right now is only 10 inches in height not including the pickups which only add another 2 inches. Here are some pics of the tank. Can it be repaired? Thanks again.

cdavisdb · #2 03-13-2010, 12:02 PM

Your pitting is worse than mine was and the holes are near a stress point. At least they are high. Are there any holes low in the tank?

It looks do-able, but this is no place for a mistake or just taking some internet person's opinion as gospel. If it was me, I'd want to do some research on how well epoxy sticks to aluminum and especially if alcohol gas would affect the epoxy. Aluminum is tricky to paint. With epoxy, is sand blasting then immediately covering with epoxy(what I did) enough in your case, do you need to do an alumiprep/alodine treatment, do you need extra layers of glass over the holes, would that make it too stiff, any other problems?

Fr. Frank · #3 03-13-2010, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Your pitting is worse than mine was and the holes are near a stress point. At least they are high. Are there any holes low in the tank?

No, the tank is upside down in the pictures. That pitting and holes are, in fact, in the bottom of the tank.

That tank needs to be replaced.

aj1976 · #4 03-24-2010, 05:44 AM

Decided to have the tank replaced. After searching the net for a poly tank -- ended up having an aluminum tank made here locally. Was finished in less than 5 days. Just picked it up today. so glad I don't have to try to make it fit. Feels good to be able to move on....not to mention peace of mind. Now what do I do with old tank. Recycle

ha ha. thanks again for all the input.

MasterBaiter · #5 03-13-2010, 12:06 PM

There looks to be plenty of meat on the tank. There was an outside influence on the marked part and a weld/corrosion issue on the corner. I would think these would be an easy repair for a welding shop or that interior coating I have used in the past.

It is already out of the boat - whats the worst a shop will say? No? And check with a company called Eastwood for some tank repair options. They deal with old car and truck restoration supplies.

Good Luck

asdfhood · #6 03-13-2010, 02:10 PM

I know this is probably not an approved method but I have a lawn mower tank, 8 gallon aluminum, that I repaired 7 years ago with JB Weld and as of yesterday it was still holding up fine. Maybe this method could be used on the pitted area and then reinforce the areas with fiberglass.