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repair fuel storage tank leak?

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ksbob

12-05-2003 12:23:08

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I have a diesel fuel storage tank (300 gal) that has a small hole in the bottom about the size of a pencil lead. Looks to be a flaw in the metal. When I bought the tank it had about a foot square piece of fiberglass cloth over the hole so I got a 'deal'. About 2 years and the patch began to leak. I patched with some permatex gas tank repair kit putty last year but it started to seep again when cooler weather hit this fall. Luckily the tank was almost empty so I removed all the diesel, but is there any fix for this short of having a pro weld this thing? I hate to take it down off the stand more than I absolutely have to.

Thanks in advance for any ideas (or the proper search words - my search hits seem to be for tractor fuel tank repairs).

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john

12-06-2003 07:04:28

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Re: repair fuel storage tank leak? in reply to ksbob, 12-05-2003 12:23:08

While I agree with Mike in Md saying you just blabbed to the whole world about a hazardous material spill not once but a couple of times. To answer your question I would say check it out very carefully. Most metal tank leaks are from rust on inside. You may fix it only to have it rust out next to repair.
To others I would say put your tank on a concrete pad with concrete walls tall enough to hold all gallons in tank. this will greatly reduce your liability in case of a leak or tank overfill ect. yes it does cost but much cheaper than the 23,000+ mike had to spend.

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ErnieD

12-06-2003 11:06:00

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Re: Re: repair fuel storage tank leak? in reply to john , 12-06-2003 07:04:28

Good advice here.

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Vern MN

12-06-2003 05:59:53

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Re: repair fuel storage tank leak? in reply to ksbob, 12-05-2003 12:23:08

Boy, this sounds all too familiar. I bought a used tank that had fuel in it when I bought it. Cleaned it up, and painted it. Built a new stand too. Thought before I filled it to put in about 20 gals to check. Yep a leak about the same size as yours.

Pondered the same things that are listed here, but since I had my own shop, and after 2 years of debating, finally welded a doubler patch the full lenght and about 20 inches wide.

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Rick

12-06-2003 05:26:52

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Re: repair fuel storage tank leak? in reply to ksbob, 12-05-2003 12:23:08

i would just find another tank. Watch the sales they go cheap. Was at one last week,was very nice one with nice heavier stand,it all looked just like new. Sold for$7.50. Rick

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kyhayman

12-05-2003 15:13:01

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Re: repair fuel storage tank leak? in reply to ksbob, 12-05-2003 12:23:08

I had a similar situation 10 years ago, only a lot bigger hole (ran my hay speer through my tank, dont ask :-)). I fixed it a lot like greenbeanman said.

Tilted the tank up to stop the leak, screwed a lag bolt in it with a bigh washer on it and smeared JB weld all over it and under the washer. Then covered with 'Kitty Hair' which is a short strand fiber glass mixture (I get itfrom NAPA). It works like the fiber glass mat stuff only much better. I put 3 layers on it and no sign of a leak for 10 years now.

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Howard Yoshida

12-05-2003 15:08:27

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Re: repair fuel storage tank leak? in reply to ksbob, 12-05-2003 12:23:08

Aloha, I assume that the tank is empty so if the hole is about the size of a pencil lead then how thick is the metal? The tank may be rusting from the inside from water accumulating on the bottom. I would first clean up the area where the patch is to be made and then I would get a ss sheet metal screw and a gasket and some sealer. Put the gasket on the screw and coat the screw with the sealer and screw it in. Cover the screw head and around the sides with JB weld and then cover the whole thing with a patch of fiberglass. The main thing here is to have everything oil free and clean or nothing will stick. In the meantime, I would start looking for a new tank. Hope this helps.

Mahalo,
Howard

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JMS/MN

12-05-2003 14:36:20

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Re: repair fuel storage tank leak? in reply to ksbob, 12-05-2003 12:23:08

JB Weld works fine if you apply it to a clean, dry surface. Scuff it with a grinding wheel for good adhesion.

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grinding wheel makes spar

12-06-2003 13:44:20

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Re: Re: repair fuel storage tank leak? in reply to JMS/MN, 12-05-2003 14:36:20

I have welded fuel tanks before but only with them full of water. DO NOT WIRE BRUSH THE TANK AS THE BRUSH CAN MAKE SPARKS AND THEN YOUR WIFE IS A WIDOW!!!!! !!!!! !!

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Tracy Kennedy

12-05-2003 14:08:00

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Re: repair fuel storage tank leak? in reply to ksbob, 12-05-2003 12:23:08

You can try greanbean's idea. Or try JB Weld I had a crack in a fuel tank for one of my garden tractors and used JB weld on it and have never had a problem yet

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Mike in Md.

12-05-2003 13:14:34

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Re: repair fuel storage tank leak? in reply to ksbob, 12-05-2003 12:23:08

I would get rid of that tank ASAP. You have a leak,and you just broadcast it it to God knows who by posting.Your "deal" can easily cost you $10-20,000+ depending on which county state or federal agency finds out you have a leak,and how much it leaked,and where it leaked.Your fuel supplier is required by law to report any leaks or spills,and is equally liable if they fill a leaky tank. You are talking a 10' overdig past where any trace of fuel is found,hazmat disposal of all the dirt excavated (about $100.00 a cubic yard)and monotoring wells to check for any other water or ground contamination. I'm not some greeny weany on a rant here, cost me $23,000+ for the same thing last year.

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Ron 1456

12-05-2003 14:16:29

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Re: Re: repair fuel storage tank leak? in reply to Mike in Md., 12-05-2003 13:14:34

I thought that was just for underground tanks.

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greenbeanman

12-05-2003 12:37:03

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Re: repair fuel storage tank leak? in reply to ksbob, 12-05-2003 12:23:08

How about drilling out the area, tapping it, then inserting a bolt of the correct thread with a rubber "O" ring at the head of it. Perhaps with teflon tape or the correct thread dressing on the bolt.

For good measure you could super clean the area, then go over the bolt with fiberglass body putty or cloth.

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