DIY gas tank repair

Fuel tanks for cars can be made of various materials, the main of which are sheet structural steel or conventional plastic, which is rather a composite material.

But no matter what the fuel tank of a car is made of, under certain conditions it can get holes and cracks. Moreover, it may be a microcrack, almost invisible to the eyes, but it is quite enough for gasoline to ooze, filling the car interior with unpleasant vapors.

A crack or a hole in the tank can result from corrosive processes, but this applies exclusively to metal tanks and does not at all apply to composite tanks. However, a crack can also appear on the surface of the composite tanks.

So let's find out how fuel tank repairs are done.

Car fuel tank repair methods

We can conditionally distinguish two types of methods that can be used when repairing fuel tanks. The first technology is hot (welding, brazing). The second technology is cold (the use of adhesives and patches).

Hot methods of repairing a fuel tank are technically difficult and require certain skills and abilities. In addition, welding or soldering equipment is required, as well as an understanding of how thin-walled structures can be welded or soldered.

Cold methods of repairing a fuel tank are somewhat simpler. You only need to adhere to a certain and fairly simple technology. In order to repair fuel tanks, use the so-called "cold welding" or epoxy resin in combination with fiberglass.

Repair of the fuel tank using "cold welding"

There is nothing complicated in this method. They buy a special two-component compound, which is sold in almost all hardware stores or car dealerships. Before applying cold welding, the surface in the damaged area is cleaned of dirt, then cleaned with sandpaper and degreased, for example, with a nitro solvent. It is not recommended to degrease with motor gasoline, as a thin layer of oil film may form.

After that, cut off a piece of cold welding with a knife and knead it thoroughly with wet hands. It is better to work with gloves so that you do not wash your hands later. After that, the defect on the fuel tank is carefully covered with cold welding. And it only remains to wait until the composition polymerizes.

Such a repair of fuel tanks is very simple, but it should be noted that the patch obtained in this way begins to crack over time due to vibrations that are inevitable during vehicle operation.

Repairing a fuel tank with epoxy

This method of repairing a fuel tank is more reliable and is suitable for both metal and plastic (composite) tanks. Its essence lies in the fact that a patch of several layers of fiberglass on epoxy resin is applied to the place of the defect.

The surface of the tank in the place of damage must be prepared (cleaned and degreased). Next, the epoxy is diluted in accordance with the instructions. But besides this, aluminum powder is added to the resulting resin in a ratio of 1:10 (one part of aluminum powder to 10 parts of resin). This filler makes the resin less brittle and more durable.

Several patches of fiberglass are cut out (3-4). After that, a layer of resin is applied with a brush and a patch of fiberglass is applied, then the next layers of resin and fiberglass are applied on top. The patch is rolled with something rubber to completely remove the air.Thereafter, it cures for about 24 hours. The last stage: the surface is smoothed with sandpaper.

The advantage of this repair method is that the patch is durable due to fiberglass and is completely not susceptible to cracking. It completely seals the tank and epoxy is completely indifferent to car fuels, be it gasoline or diesel.

Repair of a plastic fuel tank by soldering

It must be said that this method is not very reliable, since it is difficult to ensure a normal seam around the entire perimeter of the plastic patch.

The method is as follows. It is necessary to find a plastic suitable in its composition to the plastic of the tank. After that, a small patch is cut out of this material. First, the patch is tacked in place with super-glue, and then, using a powerful soldering iron, it is soldered around the entire perimeter of the patch.

It will hold on tightly, but it is not always possible to ensure normal tightness. Microcracks may remain somewhere, which, in principle, can be eliminated with the help of a sealant. But it should be said that the sealant can gradually deteriorate under the influence of gasoline. So this method, although simple, is not reliable enough.

Repair of a metal fuel tank by welding and brazing

It should be understood that with such repair methods, there is always a danger that gasoline vapors that are in the fuel tank may flare up. In order to avoid a fire, the tank is thoroughly washed out of fuel, and only then soldering or welding is used.

Thus, the tank can be welded or soldered only after a certain amount of time required for the fuel vapor to completely disappear.

The safest option is to fill the tank with water or an inert gas to avoid flare-ups. The most popular welding method, which gives the greatest reliability, is argon welding.

The second most reliable method is soldering with a special solder. In this case, the tank is not filled with water. But with both methods, the neck should be kept open so that the air inside, expanding when heated, does not deform the tank.

Fast temporary repair of fuel tanks

The tank can be temporarily repaired by using a common screw and rubber gasket. If a hole appears, albeit a small one, it should be slightly widened to fit the size of the screw. Then a piece of rubber is put over the screw and the screw is screwed into the hole. It is only important to guess the size of the hole so that the screw is screwed in normally.

Good day! A breakdown always occurs unexpectedly, and according to all the rules of meanness, just when you are on the road. And you should learn how to eliminate them, whether it is replacing a wheel or a generator belt. Every car enthusiast should be able to troubleshoot at least minor problems.

Troubles can be different, and one of them is a gas tank leak. Yes, it is not possible to carry an electric welding machine in the trunk of a car, but it is necessary to repair it in road conditions in order to get to the nearest auto repair shop in the future.

How to repair a gas tank on the road, do it yourself.

Undoubtedly, you can just pick up and call a tow truck. However, not everyone lives in large cities, and such services are not everywhere, and you can break down in places where there is no connection. Therefore, we will consider several ways of how to repair a gas tank on the road with our own hands.

But for a start, it would be nice to find out, is it in the gas tank? The main symptoms of this are the smell of gasoline in the cabin, or a puddle right under the fuel tank if the car was parked. Look carefully at the gauges that show the fuel level. If you see that the arrow quickly went down and there is a smell, then the gas tank is punctured for sure.Now you need to stop, inspect and find the hole, and then try to temporarily repair it so that you can get to the place, and already there you can start major repairs.

So, let's discuss some of the most common ways to repair a fuel tank on the road.

The first remedy will work if the hole in the fuel tank is small. This can be done simply by sticking a piece of cloth impregnated with Moment glue or the like on the hole. As soon as the fabric "adheres" to the surface, it should be treated with nitro paint, which should be in the repair kit in every car. This small repair will allow you to continue your journey, and you can get to the car service, where you will be made major repairs.

The next method is suitable if the hole is already large, so to speak, the truckers' method. Need to cut out rubber gasket and attach it with a bolt and nut screwed into the hole. To make the bolt go through without problems, the hole can be enlarged even further. Then, through the neck, we install the bolt, clamp the rubber cuffs with a washer and tighten with a nut.

This is one of the best solutions to the problem, but be aware that the operation requires wear-resistant rubber. Damp will not work, as it will be corroded by gasoline. If there is no wear-resistant one, then you can use a camera from some kind of truck. And if everything was done correctly: the rubber is good, the bolt is screwed on as it should, then after such a repair you can still drive for some time, postponing the purchase of a new gas tank.

Cold welding - another way to quickly repair a gas tank on the road. Epoxy resin can be used as material. So, you clean the surface with an emery cloth, and mix the epoxy resin with the hardener. If the mixture needs to be heated, place the cookware on the engine. Stir the mixture well, and in the same way as in the case of the Moment glue, dip a shred in the resin and press the damaged area with it. The same is done at the service station, but it turns out they are much more reliable. And if you do everything right, then perhaps a major overhaul of the gas tank may not be needed.

And another option suitable for owners of cars with carburetor engines and diaphragm fuel pumps. Take plastic dishes, pour gasoline into it, remove the hose that goes from the gas pump to the tank, and secure it. It is also better to set the dishes themselves properly, in order to avoid force majeure. If no suitable dishes are found, the washer tank will do, just do not forget to wash it thoroughly afterwards. In this way, you can easily reach the service station.

That's all. All these methods, of course, can be applied if you have all the necessary tools and adhesives in stock. Now you can repair the gas tank with your own hands, but I wish that all this knowledge was applied by you only in theory. Take care of your iron horses.

The life of a driver is sometimes difficult - the road is fraught with many surprises. However, most of the troubles arise from malfunctions of the "iron horse": an overheated engine, a punctured wheel or a muffler that suddenly fell off - the list of such force majeure can be continued indefinitely. One of these problems is a punctured gas tank on the road, and this article will focus on eliminating this malfunction.

Damage to the gas tank is really unpleasant, and if a fuel leak is detected, it is necessary to urgently take measures that will allow you to get to the service station for a high-quality repair or replacement of the tank... The problem will have to be solved quickly and competently: you cannot wait for help and lose precious fuel, and it may be too far to the nearest settlement.

There are several ways to notice a fuel leak:

• a sharp appearance of the smell of gasoline in the car;
• a puddle of gas directly under the gas tank;
• rapid lowering of the fuel level sensor needle;
• excessive increase in fuel consumption.

Fuel loss is a signal to look for and eliminate the breakdown. The situation is simplified by the fact that the gas tank, which has holes in the upper part, will still allow you to get to the workshop, and if there are holes at the bottom of the tank, it will not be difficult to notice them. Usually they occur at the bottom: the cause can be, firstly, various mechanical influences, and secondly, corrosion, corroding the tank on both sides.

The most common way to repair a gas tank with your own hands in the field is cold welding. The same method is used by specialists in auto repair shops to bring the tank into proper condition. The repair process itself will look like this:

• first, using sandpaper, it is necessary to clean the damaged area (if this is not done, then the applied patch will soon fall off);
• then a mixture of epoxy resin and hardener is prepared (you can use a heated engine to heat the mixture);
• after saturating the fabric patch with the mixture, it must be applied and pressed to the tank.

This method of repairing a gas tank has a lot of advantages:

• the result is of sufficient quality, and in the future you can do without replacing the tank;
• the repair requires a minimum of materials and efforts.

To implement the second method of eliminating a gas tank leak, fiberglass and epoxy resin are used. The repair is very simple, and the work algorithm looks the same as for cold welding:

• first of all, the hole in the tank must be cleaned and degreased;
• after that, a resin-impregnated fiberglass cloth is applied to the surface (usually two layers of material are applied);
• after the patch dries, it is usually treated with an anti-corrosion layer.

This method is quite reliable and simple, and if you protect the patch from corrosion, then such a tank will be able to

work for quite a long time. True, on the road, the necessary materials are not always at hand, and in this case they can be replaced with ordinary superglue and rags. A patch made of several layers of fabric impregnated with glue will allow you to safely get to the workshop and carry out a quality repair.

Another interesting method of repairing a gas tank with your own hands is the installation of a rubber gasket. Usually, a serious leak is eliminated in this way, provided that the tank cannot be repaired in other ways. To work, you need a screwdriver, a rubber gasket and a bolt with a nut. The repair will look like this:

• the breakdown of the tank expands so that a bolt can be inserted into it;
• a bolt with a washer installed on it is pushed through the neck of the tank directly into the hole that must be removed;
• a gasket is installed on the outside and secured with a nut.

From the point of view of reliability and efficiency, such a patch is the best option for repairing a tank. The result is so good that sometimes, after such a repair, the driver manages to drive on the repaired tank for more than one year. However, it is not worth delaying with a high-quality repair of the gas tank - as a rule, the appearance of holes in the tank indicates its deterioration (unless the hole appeared as a result of a strong impact on the relief).

"Folk ways" of repairing a gas tank on the road

To carry out field repairs of the tank, you must carry with you materials that allow you to implement at least one of the above methods: they will not take up much space, and the benefits can be significant. But there are times when the necessary materials are simply not available, or the damage to the tank looks very insignificant. In such a situation, you can solve the problem in one of the popular ways:

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1. Sometimes the hole in the gas tank is almost imperceptible, and fuel does not flow through it, but drips slowly. If the cause of this leakage is a small crack, then rub it well with soap. Of course, such an action cannot be called an effective repair, but it will be quite enough to get to the nearest service station.
2. Having found a small hole in the tank, you can act differently: take a small self-tapping screw and screw it into the hole. If you pre-lubricate the self-tapping screw with soap and use a gasket, then urgent repairs can be postponed until you arrive in the village.
3. There is another old method that allows you to get to the auto repair shop even with critical damage to the tank. Every experienced driver knows about this method of solving the problem: a plastic bottle or canister is taken, fuel is poured into it, and then a fuel hose is supplied and fixed to it. Of course, this is far from the most elegant solution to the problem, but you can get to the service station this way.

Having corrected the problem in the most suitable way, you can end the trip, and after that, examine the tank in detail for the presence of other leaks and malfunctions. It would be best to entrust the dismantled gas tank to specialists who can determine exactly how suitable it is for driving.

In conclusion, it should be said that the most correct way to eliminate the leakage of the gas tank is to replace it (especially if the old tank has served long enough). Of course, changing an almost new tank after every scratch is not worth it - for this there is welding and soldering, which are carried out without problems at any service station - but it is extremely undesirable to wait for the complete wear of the gas tank.

There are several ways to repair a gas tank on the road, and all of them are quite simple, but it would be much better to carry out preventive work in a timely manner - and then there will be no need to urgently fix the problem. However, even if the car is maintained in good condition, an extra tube of glue or a couple of bolts in the trunk will never hurt - a variety of problems can manifest themselves on the road.

Highways are not always perfect, and it is difficult to insure against breakdowns while driving on them. The most common problem is rubber breakdown, but this malfunction is not so difficult to fix, especially if you have a spare wheel with you. Much more questions arise when you need to repair the gas tank with your own hands, if it suddenly turned out to be broken and fuel began to pour out of it. It is not always possible to call a tow truck, and in some situations it is not necessary at all, since any driver with the appropriate knowledge can repair the gas tank on the spot using improvised means.

Most vehicles have a fuel tank on the bottom, which increases the risk of damage when driving over rough terrain or poor quality roads. A simple blow to the gas tank can dent it, but directed puncture damage will result in a breakdown. The fact that the gas tank is broken is indicated by the following factors:

• The smell of gasoline began to be clearly felt in the car;
• The fuel level needle began to approach zero faster than usual.

If you notice signs of a breakdown in the gas tank, stop the vehicle and turn off the engine. After that, carefully inspect the gas tank for damage and breakdowns. When they are found, you will need to act, depending on the specific situation. Below we give several ways to self-repair a fuel tank on the road.

The fuel tank is quite simple, and it is a reservoir that is filled with gasoline. In this case, the gas tank can be made of steel, aluminum, plastic or other materials. It is better to replace a broken gas tank with a new one, often inexpensive options can be found at various car "showdowns".However, if you are on the road, it is possible to repair the tank with your own hands in order to get to the place of maintenance or continue operating the machine until you buy a new part.

The most effective way to repair a gas tank on the road is to seal it with a rubber plug. It is advisable to use it when the breakdown in the fuel tank is large and a bolt can be inserted into it. Repairs are made as follows:

1. The breakdown in the tank, which must be repaired, must first be expanded to the diameters of the available bolt;
2. Next, a washer with a rubber gasket is selected for the bolt;
3. Next, you need to install a bolt through the neck of the fuel tank into the prepared hole and put a washer, a rubber gasket on it from the outside and tighten it with a nut.

Important: Choose rubber as a gasket that does not dissolve under the influence of gasoline. Do not use "raw rubber", which quickly deteriorates.

It should be noted that this method of repairing a gas tank is popular among truckers. Having closed the hole in the fuel tank in this way, you do not have to worry about its reliability. If it is not possible to replace the gas tank in the near future, it is recommended to remove the threads and paint over the joints to avoid corrosion. With the correct implementation of the patch, the gas tank can last for months or even years.

Carburetor engines are actively becoming a thing of the past, but they still remain on old car models, and it will be useful for drivers of such cars to find out what to do if a gas tank breaks down. The device of the carburetor with diaphragm-type fuel pumps is such that it allows you to use any container as a gas tank by lowering the hose that comes from the gas pump into it.

Find any free bottle, if there is none in the car, you can use the washer reservoir. Fill the container with gasoline and place in it the soft hose that comes from the gas pump. Please note that if you are using a bottle, it will need to be well secured so that it does not tip over during the trip. When everything is done, you can go to the service station.

Important: Before proceeding, make sure that there is no fuel left in the gas tank so that it does not spill on the road.

If the damage to the car's tank is not severe, a simple cloth-backed patch can be made and secured with glue. To do this, you will need to get a piece of cloth, good glue "Moment" and nitro paint of any color, which is often found in cars. The sequence of actions for repairing a breakdown is as follows:

1. Cut out a small piece of thick fabric. If the fabric is thin, several layers can be folded;
2. Next, completely saturate the fabric with Moment glue or its analogue and apply it to the breakdown site;
3. Next, you need to wait 2-3 minutes until the glue dries;
4. When the fabric is firmly in place, treat it with nitro paint to minimize the possibility of fuel leaking through it.

Such a patch will help you get to the service center and carry out a full repair of the fuel tank.

Important: You should not change fabric to rubber for this type of emergency repair. When the car is moving, the rubber element will quickly peel off, while the fabric reinforced with nitro paint will cope with the task of sealing the fuel tank just as well.

Cold welding is a great way to close a gap in your gas tank. Its complexity is that the driver must have with him: epoxy resin, hardener, sandpaper and cloth. If all this is available to you, the repair of the gas tank can be performed according to the following instructions:

1. The first step is to prepare the surface for applying the epoxy resin. To do this, carefully sand the area around the damage with sandpaper;
2. Next, mix the epoxy and hardener.If you need to heat them, you can put them on a warm engine;
3. Saturate a cloth with the resulting adhesive base and attach it to the damaged area on the gas tank.
4. Wait until the adhesive base dries.

In many private car services, gas tanks are restored in this way, since it is quite reliable. The fuel tank can be safely operated for several years after such a repair.

The reasons for damage to fuel tanks can be different, in one case, rust, in the other a normal trip on Russian roads. A small blow and almost immediately we begin to smell the smell of gasoline in the cabin. The fuel level arrow also tells us that gasoline is leaking out. How difficult is it to repair a fuel tank yourself?

If the gas tank leaks, then it is not safe to drive with such a breakdown, so do not postpone its repair for a long time. Before starting work, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with:

General rules for repairing a gas tank

1. To drain the gasoline from the fuel tank, you will need to tilt the vehicle to one side and use a pipe.

2. Repair of a gas tank without removing it, or it is better to dismantle it, is decided depending on the availability to the place of damage and the type of repair work.

The popular way to repair a gas tank

Do you know how our grandfathers used to repair a fuel tank in the field? If a small crack appeared in the fuel tank, then the hole was rounded with a screwdriver. Next, we selected a bolt of a suitable size for this hole and tightened it, first we put rubber washers on it (from the wheel chamber).

If you look at the old 130th ZILs, you will notice that their tanks are completely pitted with bolts, which suggests that this method is quite reliable and durable. Currently, this method finds its favor among truckers.

A leak in a car's fuel tank can be sealed with glass cloth and epoxy glue. In this case, the reliability of the gluing site will be much higher than when using cold welding for gluing.

Purchase the necessary materials to complete the work. In this case, prefer the domestic two-component epoxy glue. When choosing, consider the recommendations of the seller and instructions on the packaging.

Find the leak on the gas tank. If it is located in a hard-to-reach place, remove the gas tank, dry it thoroughly. Sand the bonding area with rough sanding paper (to improve adhesion). Degrease the surface with acetone. The quality of gluing directly depends on the quality of degreasing!

Prepare epoxy adhesive according to package directions and pour it into a suitable container. If gluing is to be done on the corners and edges of the tank, give it a thicker consistency. Cut the fiberglass into pieces so that their edges protrude several centimeters beyond the crack. Saturate the fiberglass itself with epoxy glue.

Begin gluing by placing the glass cloth over the surface to be repaired so that there are no bubbles. Remove excess resin. To improve penetration, tamp the glued layer of fiberglass with the end of a hard brush. Pay special attention to the first layer: the quality of all the work performed will largely depend on its quality. Before applying the next coat on the first coat, lightly sand it with coarse sanding paper.

Cover the leak with several layers of fiberglass. Moreover, each subsequent layer should protrude 1-2 cm beyond the edges of the previous one. After applying the next layer, wait 15-20 minutes for the glue to dry. Apply each layer gently and quickly.

If desired, putty and paint the gas tank over the applied patch. This will increase the reliability of the bonding. Before applying putty and enamel, sand the surface of the patch with coarse sanding paper.

Then, at the car, place the fuel pump hose in this container, which should be fixed near the washer tank. So you can get to the nearest service. It should be noted that this method is designed only for vehicles that are equipped with diaphragm-format fuel pumps. Cars with injection engines will be limited to the first two methods.

Structurally, gas tanks are practically not protected from external damage, in contrast to their foreign counterparts. Often, fine fractions of gravel, crushed stone, asphalt bouncing off the rear wheels gradually ruin the paint and primer shell, causing irreparable damage to the metal. After a while, the metal starts to rust. The driver begins to notice a fuel leak.