Fibreglass fuel tank leak

chrisk

chrisk

Hero member
Location
Brisbane, Australia
My fibreglass tank has sprung a leak, I've already used a sealant inside, it was OK, but its dripping everywhere. Any ideas on a fix.

I'm not sure, if I can pour some resin in over top of the sealant, or just try more sealant. Any thoughts?
 
I doubt the resin will stick on the sealant, depending on what it was. The sealants I've seen were rubbery silicony stuff of some sort. If the sealant was epoxy then it may be OK but would need a lot of cleaning first. Clean it again and more sealant I suspect. The fact it is leaking suggest cracked seams which really need to be repaired properly with whatever resin the tank was made out of.

 
Chris, You might get lucky if the give the tank a thorough swill with a few pints of acetone [don't leave it in there too long!] That might give you a good key for some sealant to adhere to. Worth a try before you scrap the tank.
 
Thanks, but, I think it's not leaking, the fuel tap was. But, and it's a eye opener, petrol can run up hill!

The leak at the taps ended up dripping from the front side of the tank, near the round rubber mounting points. Bike was tied down in the trailer, granted, but that still means it had to run uphill to get to that point! And I thought Cooma flooding was strange!
 
.    "How many times are you going to burn that thing?"

That's what happens when you fit a spewzuki motor in a Lav frame and put a Laverda sticker on the tank!!!
 
drikko said:
Petrol can definitely wick it's way uphill, I've seen it. How many times are you going to burn that thing?
Click to expand...
drikko said:
Petrol can definitely wick it's way uphill, I've seen it. How many times are you going to burn that thing?
Click to expand...

You blokes make my day, funny blokes you are! Not Suzuki on the tank Rob, that's the funny part.
I've had people stopping their cars and taking pictures, while it's on the trailer (leaking fuel all over the place) Not now though, fixed that little problem. Only two more problems to fix, Carbies return spring and you blokes!!
 
chriskay said:
I've had people stopping their cars and taking pictures, while it's on the trailer (leaking fuel all over the place) 
Click to expand...

Don't let them use a flash  :o
 
I've worked with Fiberglass all my life. What kind of sealant did you put in there?

Whatever; I would suggest that you load the tank with SHOT. Nut's, Small Bolts, BB's, Washers, Lead Pellets ... etc and roll it for hours on end.

Evacuate it by what ever means you can.

Do NOT use Acetone, Lacquer Thinner or any other cleaner but a Laundry Detergent and Hot water and let dry for a few days.

Rattle BB's again to polish the inside & vacuum.

Use an Epoxy Undercoat BASF (RM EPOXY Green Zinc Undercoat) Product, about 1/2 cup should do. Mix it and put it in the sealed tank. Turn her over until it thickens and there is nothing left to pour out and let the tank set for 3 days. Then pour another 1/2 Cup of Basf Under Coat into her and roll her until the chemical reaction stops the flow. wait a Week until its completely cured.

Do not worry about the Petcock threads - Tap them out later and use Teflon Tape.

Your done.

I just hope you did not initially use some Rubber Vulcanized or Harley Davidson Product in which case your done for.
 
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