Aluminum Fuel Cell/Tank crack repair

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MoparMcK

MoparMcK

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I have a 15 gallon RCI aluminum fuel cell/tank. I am having a hard time finding someone that is willing to weld the holes. Rightfully so as I wouldn't want to do it. Anyway, has anyone used JB weld or similar on a gas tank and had good luck with it? I have researched a bit but have gotten very few reviews and they were mixed. Thanks in advance for any input.

Clearly if I can round up someone to repair it. I will be going that route. Just looking for a backup plan.
 
Been many years since I tried to seal with JB Weld on aluminum. Might just be me but, I had bad results.

I wonder why no one wants to weld repair? Do you know what series aluminum the tank is made of?
 
iScamp said:
Been many years since I tried to seal with JB Weld on aluminum. Might just be me but, I had bad results.

I wonder why no one wants to weld repair? Do you know what series aluminum the tank is made of?
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Thats my experience on other things with JB weld. If it works it is only temporary.

I do not know what series aluminum it is.
 
I have had excellent results with aluminum repair with something called "Devcon". The can is at work, so I can't give anymore details. In dry applications, I've never had the stuff crack or lift off. Put it on like Bondo and file it smooth. Don't know how it would do with fuel. If the holes are 3/16" diameter or less, I would 'buck' an aluminum rivet in the hole. If there is a local EAA Chapter (Experimental Aircraft Assoc.) near you, they might could help. Airplanes usually have aluminum tanks and these guys sometimes weld their own.
 
Fill the tank with water so there is no space for gas fumes, then weld. Welders just don't want to mess with it.
 
Take it to a radiator shop. Friend of mine has a couple of porches and Subaru 360's. The fuel tanks commonly rust out and pinhole. He hasn't had a problem getting them repaired.
 
1994redram said:
Take it to a radiator shop. Friend of mine has a couple of porches and Subaru 360's. The fuel tanks commonly rust out and pinhole. He hasn't had a problem getting them repaired.
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Thanks! I did round up a guy to do it soon.
 
Use a drill bit no bigger that 1/8th in for the stop drill hole.
I don't think J-B Weld will hold up either. Gas will continue to leach out after J-B Weld is applied thru the crack, and getting under the J-B Weld. Welding is better, or a new tank.

Dave
 
Keep looking for a welder. Rad shop? Do those guys tig? Doubtful, around here................
 
Do you need to have the crack welded or the hole?
If it is just the hole I would drill it out, slap a bolt on there with a copper washer on either side and call it good
 
diymirage said:
Do you need to have the crack welded or the hole?
If it is just the hole I would drill it out, slap a bolt on there with a copper washer on either side and call it good
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Use to be , many years ago, u could put carbontetrachloride in the tank to wash it out and de fume it. A welder welded up a tank for me at 3 in the morning one time when I played dukes of hazard on a gravel road. I don't think a guy can buy it now , due to the EPA.
Oh, it was a 1963 Plymouth fury that belonged to my dad ! Had to have it fixed before getting home .
 
67Dart273 said:
Keep looking for a welder. Rad shop? Do those guys tig? Doubtful, around here................
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67Dart273 is right on. Back in college I took an oxy-acetylene welding class and it was so much fun, I took a Tig classs the following semester. Aluminum is very easy to Tig weld. You should find people nearby that can do that.
 
Thanks all. I had a shop weld mounting tabs on rather than paying $50 for the straps. Well, the guy that did it at the shop hurried through and ran it too hot. I was able to pick out where each leak is before putting water in it. I have a guy that will whip it into shape tomorrow for me. Thanks for all the input!
 
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