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Anyone had any luck fixing a plastic gas tank with JB Weld? Got my tank drilled last night on my Chevy Colorado, and lost all my gas. Just filled it up yesterday. They at least did not put huge holes in it. I took screws with washers ,and covered them and screwed them in. Just wondering if anyone had luck, using JB weld on gas problems? Or will I need a new tank?
Back in my rock crawling days we would often put a temp patch on a holed gas tank with JB Weld, it would get you home or to a safe spot, but I never heard of it as a all time fix. We have (if not too large, screwed a # 10 sheetmetal screw in a puncture using a gasket made out of a lid of a can of nuts( that looked like it would go forever). Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do... Tedd
JB Weld makes a gas tank repair epoxy but it is only for use on a metal tank. I used it on my 54 Olds and it worked great. I wish I had another suggestion. Google might be your friend on this one but I doubt you are going to find something that is going to work with the plastic tank.
Update. I just found this one on Amazon. Says it works on plastic tanks.
I like the "thread a bolt in the hole and seal the threads with JB weld" idea. Plastic was mentioned; I'd use steel. Use an Allen pipe plug so it isn't noticeable.
I read about this stuff called Seal All and bought a tube at the local auto parts store, but have not used it yet so I can't comment on its durability. The online reviews ans testimonials are positive.
My preferred go-to adhesive is Marine-Tex Epoxy; however, plastic presents unique challenges for any adhesive. I’ve used it for just about everything around the house and on my automobiles successfully.
I do agree like someone said, that it will work best with some sort of fastener and the epoxy in combination.
The type of plastic used for plastic gas tanks is probably one of the worst types when it comes to adhesion of epoxies, etc. to the tank. Get another tank.
Before going the hassle of replacing the tank Id drill/tap it and install a small flange bolt. Put a sealing washer under the flange head, coat the threads with epoxy, and screw it in. Rough up the surface around the hole, smear some epoxy over the repair. Occasionally check for leaks, you might be surprised how long the repair lasts.
I would avoid replacing the tank unless absolutely necessary. You have been victimized once, it would really suck to put a new tank in only to find another hole drilled in it.
So they drilled a hole in your plastic gas tank and stole all your gas. That is the first time I have heard of that. I guess the thieves were smart (term used loosely) to pick a car with a plastic tank. I am sure there are some stupid enough to drill a metal tank. You are lucky they did not steal your catalytic converter. Thieves really **** me off.
So they drilled a hole in your plastic gas tank and stole all your gas. That is the first time I have heard of that.
Seriously? It’s on the news all the time here. Many times with school buses and the large commuter vans.
A local charter school had their school bus tanks drilled and drained while parked in a fenced yard, then a few weeks later it happened again and the gas caught fire and burned two buses.
An animal rescue had their transport van tank drilled and drained and they weren’t able to make rescue runs.
Thousands of dollars in damage, businesses and schools disrupted, because the price of a gallon of gas increased and scum bags, well they’re just scum bags.
My sister-in-law's friend very recently drove all the way from GA to Chicago to attend a wedding. She had to pay to park in a lot next to the church. When she left she found her catalytic converter had been sawed out, leaving a stub of an exhaust pipe. She was so upset, didn't no where to go in Chicago for repair on a weekend, that she drove all the way back to GA like that.
So far my fix is holding. The Chevy dealer wants about $1200 to put a new one on. I can buy a used for $200, probably go that route. Today is my birthday, 76, so I'm not young any more, not sure I want to take on this job? What I was surprised about the Chevy dealer, is they said if I get a used tank they would replace it. I was surprised they would do that. Little under $300 labor to fix.
So far my fix is holding. The Chevy dealer wants about $1200 to put a new one on. I can buy a used for $200, probably go that route. Today is my birthday, 76, so I'm not young any more, not sure I want to take on this job? What I was surprised about the Chevy dealer, is they said if I get a used tank they would replace it. I was surprised they would do that. Little under $300 labor to fix.
So they drilled a hole in your plastic gas tank and stole all your gas. That is the first time I have heard of that. I guess the thieves were smart (term used loosely) to pick a car with a plastic tank. I am sure there are some stupid enough to drill a metal tank. You are lucky they did not steal your catalytic converter. Thieves really **** me off.
there was a article in the paper awhile back where someone drilled a hole in a tank of a RV. I guess it’s fitting that they drilled the hole in the waste holding tank!!!
So they drilled a hole in your plastic gas tank and stole all your gas. That is the first time I have heard of that. I guess the thieves were smart (term used loosely) to pick a car with a plastic tank. I am sure there are some stupid enough to drill a metal tank. You are lucky they did not steal your catalytic converter. Thieves really **** me off.
I got into some argument on some facebook group about how I didn't think even a metal tank would spark a gasoline stream off while being drilled. A bunch of folks who thought they knew better disagreed, and someone even mentioned gas going into the drill vents and blowing up off the motor armature at work.
I am not recommending doing it, but I think I'd really have to work at blowing myself up that way. If I were in the business, a suppressed 22 subsonic would be a great way to put a hole in a tank from several feet away safely, or maybe a fixture with a cow killer bolt gun modified with a sharp, small tip.
there was a article in the paper awhile back where someone drilled a hole in a tank of a RV. I guess it’s fitting that they drilled the hole in the waste holding tank!!!
There is a process called friction welding I believe. It is like a rivet that they spin with a drill and they fuse together. I had a place here in Phoenix do it for $50
I have seen a number of plastic tanks drilled to salvage gas before cars go to the junk yard. While the drill is operating there is basically no liquid or vapor that I ever detected. Stop drilling, remove drill, have catch container ready. Can’t remember if any steel tanks or not but I don’t think they would be that a big risk, a spray bottle of water while drilling wouldn’t hurt. YMMV!
.02 - I have seen 2 tanks , 1 plastic, 1 steel, run for years and may still be running, Toggle bolt, large washer and some fuel resistant epoxy.
Whenever I install a new steel tank in “our kind of” car, it first goes right to the radiator shop for a 1/4 “ NPT bung install at the low point. I have to fight him to even take a few bucks for it. Allen head plug & good to go. Quick scotchbright and some silver POR15 on an acid brush touches up the spot. Not visible unless you stick head under car and look up at tank, not that easy a task for most of us! I Don’t need them often but they sure make things easy if you need to empty the tank.
