what to use to seal a gas tank leak at the seam?

[Mike Tonon]

Not for a Ranger, for a Briggs and Stratton lawn mower engine. I notice some gas coming through in a couple small areas at the seam. I was thinking I could just scrape it open, sand it, clean it, seal it and paint it. But what can I seal it with? Has to be gasoline resistant and paintable. I have this multi-purpose goop adhesive and weatherstrip adhesive, one of which I think might do it.

 

[hoosier1104]

A new gas tank maybe?

 

[Mike Tonon]

No, I just rebuilt the mower, just put on a new carb, because the old one leaked. I don't want to put much more money into this thing and it seems like it could be patched and hit with paint and it would be as good as new.

 

[Mark_88]

Most gasket goop is gas resistant, but...I'm with Hoosier on this one...replace the tank.

I was going to say weld it...but you know things that go boom in the night...gas tanks are one of them...

Maybe there is a sealant available these days, but this isn't like a body seam that only keeps water and exhaust or gas fumes out...and you do want to be safe...even with a lawn mower or other machinery.

 

[97RangerXLT]

Yep, replace the tank. Might even find a cheap used one on Craigslist or fleabay.

Not worth yhe safety issues of a leaky gas tank next to a hot engine only 2 feet away from your legs.

Probably less than 30 bucks new.

AJ

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 4 while sitting in my underwear

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

If it is an metal tank on an older engine you can get fuel tank liner you pour in the tank and slosh around.

Only works for small leaks but it does work well. Tank has to be clean inside for it to work.

If you plan on keeping the thing (and it has a metal tank) and you end up getting a new tank, I would line it to prevent problems down the road.

 

[gandrimp]

As stated above replace it.

If you go the route of fixing it, I recommend a product called Red-kote, its better than anything I have used. Make sure to follow the instructions to the T.

That said, you can probably replace the tank cheaper than a can of red-kote.

 

[hank857]

Ive used some stuff called PC-7 to seal a leaking tank on a truck. Truck was used for more years didn't leak until it was wrecked years later (if then even).

Maybe some liquid steel the epoxy stuff could be used. But I can say yes to the PC 7. Seen it at Ace, Hope depot etc.

 

[enjr44]

Ok, we'er not talking about 10/20 gallons of fuel. Its a lawn mower.

Metal tank, if you can get the edges clean, JB Weld will work just fine!!

 

[ZMan]

"seal all" you can get it at the parts store