Gas Tank Work

[rmmagow]

Hi All,

I have a leaking gas tank that needs some fixing. I'm describing here what I want to do so if I'm totally out of my mind someone will tell me. Tank is already out and fuel pump removed. The leak is at the top, small pin-hole in a beginning to rust out area. I want to fill the tank with water, use a brass wire brush to completely clean the rusted area. I am planning to use the Permatex two part epoxy meant for gas tanks as the primary patch for the hole. I would then like to paint the area with Eastwood's Rust stuff. Now another thing I'd like to do is put a metal patch over the area. I was planning to use a piece of aluminum and some industrial automotive epoxy, the kind of stuff they use to put cars together with now. Can anyone recommend a brand name/formulation of this kind of epoxy that would work to hold the patch for the next 20 years or so? Also, I think I'm safe from blowing myself up by filling the tank with water and not welding. I sort of remember brass won't spark. The inside of the tank isn't bad, the section that rusted was from a slight manufacturing defect, a piece of tarlike paper shifted and the tank was right up against metal and some moisture got in there. I also plan to flush the tank a few times, then use regular alcohol a few times to mix up any water and help get all the water out. The tank will also sit for a few days to help evap any moisture. This all sound reasonable?
Thanks for your expert guidance.

[5280BENZ]

Hi RM,

I think that other posters to this forum have taken their leaking tanks to competent radiator repair shops for repairs and for a reasonable charge have been very satisfied. If you have the time and enjoy the satisfaction of doing it yourself, then that's the other option.

[pfphipps]

Gas tank sealers are sold by quite a few places including lot of the radiator shops that clean gas tanks. I just took mine in and it soaked for a couple of weeks to get all the rust and other crud out of it. A red sealer was put in after that. Seems to work great. The radiator shop people said the sealer usually lasts eight to ten years. Mine was not leaking but I could see rust forming in the tank and wanted to take care of it as soon as possible. I thought the $100 charge for what they did was a very reasonable price.