3 Ways to Seal the Plastic Fuel Tank

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2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Plastic fuel tanks are in great demand among motorcycle and quad bike enthusiasts; they weigh about half that of metal ones and are easy to model to adapt them to any type of customization. Seamless models rarely have leaks; in addition, they are immune to rust and corrosion that affect metal ones. If a plastic tank is punctured or cracked slightly, there are several easy ways to fix it.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: with Epoxy Glue

Step 1. Remove the gas from the tank and wait for it to dry

Sand the area around the hole or crack, clean it with a cloth and denatured alcohol.

Step 2. Mix the two component epoxy glue ingredients and apply the compound along the perimeter of the damage

Cut out a patch of fiberglass large enough to cover the damage and lay it on the surface.

Step 3. Put the patch over the hole and press it so that it sticks to the glue

Apply additional adhesive to the fiberglass and surrounding area, pressing firmly to impregnate the material.

Step 4. Wait for the patch to dry, sand it to smooth, and spray paint if desired

Method 2 of 3: with the Plastic Welding Machine

Step 1. Purchase or rent a plastic welding machine

Tell the clerk about the job you intend to do, to make sure you buy the right material for the splints.

Step 2. Remove the tank from the vehicle and transfer it to an environment where you can safely weld

Take out the gasoline and wait for the tank to dry inside and out.

Step 3. Use a plastic-specific soldering stick and fill the crack with the molten material

Start from the edge and completely cover the perimeter; move from side to side of the opening, letting the splint fill and seal it completely.

Step 4. Wait for the solder to settle, sand it to smooth and, if desired, spray paint it

Step 5. Mount the repaired tank to the vehicle

Method 3 of 3: with a welder

Step 1. Empty the tank, clean the outside and inside with soapy water

Lightly sand the perimeter of the area to be repaired.

Step 2. Cut a plastic patch, similar in material to the tank, making sure it is slightly larger than the hole

Step 3. Heat an electric soldering iron and drag the red-hot tip over the edge of the hole to create a kind of groove

Move the gun from side to side and push the plastic into the groove. Place the patch on the area while the plastic is still soft from the heat. Keep moving the welder over the area to smooth the patch and fuse it with the tank.

Step 4. Wait for the repaired area to dry and cool completely

Mix some two-component epoxy glue and cover the entire repair area; wait for it to stabilize, sand the surface and paint it with spray paint if desired.

Advice

Applying epoxy glue is the simplest method of sealing a plastic fuel tank, but the repair is sometimes short-lived.
If you are using a plastic welding machine for the first time, practice before trying to repair the tank; the shop where you rent the tool should give you all the information to avoid difficulties.

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