Gas Tank sprung a leak!!!

[TRICKSIXPA]

So I had a set of new SS tank straps and new rubber isolators for the straps. Was gonna replace them and decided to clean off the tank . The foil piece thats on the bottom of the tank was god awful so I pulled it off and started to clean of the adhesive undeneath of it. Once clean I noticed that I had a pin hole leak and can see gas coming out. Kinda seeping out in a ring. My next idea is to empty the tank. The tank is old but it's still in good shape. Is there something I can buy to patch the hole once I get the gas to stop leaking? So I guess now I know
why factory tanks have tha foil underneath...

 

[John Larkin]

Yeah, there is gas tank patch sold at parts stores. It is like clay, you mash it into the hole. Can't speak to longevity though.

 

[TexasT]

I am going through the same conundrum. Mine developed a drip. I have had success in the past taking old tanks to the local radiator place and having the boiled out and a coating applied to the interior of the tank. This was for a tank that I was unable to find a suitable replacement that was in better condition than the one I had.

In this case there is a pretty cheap alternative. I know several of the supporting vendors sell them. I bought a new one and it arrived this week. It came with the neck and is painted black. It just seemed easier to.replace than to do the run around of repair. Side note mine has a dent in it from a trailering incident so a new one was procured.

 

[charlief1]

You can get a product called CREEM tank liner. It comes in 3 parts and the last is a coating that works really well. I've used it before and never had the lining break down like I've seen with some liners.

 

[TRICKSIXPA]

Well I think it's ok for now. The first piece I applied kept leaking. I took it off and while I was swiping it across a little bit got into the hole to stop the leak. Put another patch on top of that for insurance. The tank was down to bare metal so it should adhere pretty well. I'll see what happens.

 

[Thumper]

More than likely there are multiple holes ready to surprise you. I have never seen a tank with only one rust spot inside. I would try a coating if you wanna save this tank. I replaced mine then cut it open to see, it was not that bad but a few spots looked weak so now I would just coat inside one and be happy.

Thanks
Bill

 

[czimpel]

If you have the tank out, I always use a hot iron and solder the holes.

 

[turbotroy]

New tanks are relatively cheap, readily available, and easily replaced. It won't get better ...

 

[earlbrown]

Torch and some solder. If they're other spots that are about to turn into holes, they'll light up like the 4th of July when you put the heat to them.

 

[TRICKSIXPA]

I'm gonna use this as a temporary fix. But will buy a new tank. They are pretty cheap. The thing I'm concerned about. Did GM know that this was a bad spot and this is why that metal foil was put there. I'm thinking that this pin hole was there from day one?? All the original gas tanks have it on there.

 

[earlbrown]

If I were to guess, the foil might have been there to get wet instead of the tank.

 

[Thumper]

I do not know why gm put the foil on with grey goooo, but it was the location of my first leak also.

 

[TexasT]

These tanks are twenty five years old at a minimum. Stuff unfortunately doesn't last forever. I'm thinking the "foil" thing you are speaking to is at the bottom, center of the tank. I believe this is there as a scrape guard of sorts so the tank when drug on things isn't punctured. I could be wrong. This piece along with the straps is a place where "crud" is collected and unfortunately moisture is retained as a result. We all know where this is going and rust out is the result. Be glad your tank made it as far as it did.

Where replacing get the correct tank with the "pan" for the fuel pump. Many of our site vendors carry them as well as other places.

Some reason the photos won't post. Not sure.

http://s444.photobucket.com/user/texastandgransport/library/The T/Fuel Tank?sort=3&page=1

 

[John Larkin]

I would say it was to be a dampner for fuel pump vibrations. Kept the tank from becoming resonant when the fuel pump was running. It kind of looks like Dynamat as well.

 

[TRICKSIXPA]

These tanks are twenty five years old at a minimum. Stuff unfortunately doesn't last forever. I'm thinking the "foil" thing you are speaking to is at the bottom, center of the tank. I believe this is there as a scrape guard of sorts so the tank when drug on things isn't punctured. I could be wrong. This piece along with the straps is a place where "crud" is collected and unfortunately moisture is retained as a result. We all know where this is going and rust out is the result. Be glad your tank made it as far as it did.

I always thought that too. After I took that foil piece off there was that caulking underneath took a spackle knife to it. It was about 1/8" thick it was really thick and messy stuff. Doesn't seem like it was there to hold the foil piece on but more of a patch panel.

 

[whitehot1]

You can order a new gas tank from your local auto parts store for about $230.00. It shouldn't take more than a couple of days for them to get it delivered to their store or to your home.

 

[TexasT]

You can order a new gas tank from your local auto parts store for about $230.00. It shouldn't take more than a couple of days for them to get it delivered to their store or to your home.

i paid less than half that and it was delivered to my door in about a week.

 

[whitehot1]

i paid less than half that and it was delivered to my door in about a week.

Wow you really need to share where to buy from.

I bought one in 2001 for my 86 T-Type from advance auto parts and it was $150.00

 

[TR Custom Parts]

I would say it was to be a dampner for fuel pump vibrations. Kept the tank from becoming resonant when the fuel pump was running. It kind of looks like Dynamat as well.

Think that is the correct answer. I didn't bother with it when I changed my tank out. Spectre 307C I think is the tank I put in. Had the proper pan in it. If you tank has started leaking it is only a matter of time before it leaks elsewhere. Better off just changing it out.

 

[whitehot1]

I just did a quick search on ebay and found a brand new gas tank for a 1987 buick grand national.

The price is $86.99 shipped to the lower 48 states, they will ship to other places but at extra cost to the buyer.

The item number is 130764786027

There are deals to be had if you look for them. I must say that price surprised me.