HELP - leaking fuel tank (at a bad time of year!!)

[davejones]

I've got an extra fuel tank, stainless steel, that has sprung a leak. The leak is coming from the top (from observation not from any seams) and I suspect some recent draw fitment work may have been the cause with some rushed drilling.

I am supposed to be leaving to Zimbabwe next week Wednesday.

I am based near Randburg, so have been to Northern Offroad, who are very full and would love to help, but may not be able to.

What are my options?!?

[KOOS BEST]

BLOU SEEP DIT WERK

[Kagiso II]

(a) dont fill the reserve to its max.
(b) screw a FAT self tapping screw into the hole [if it is 8 or 9 mm hole - temp fix with 'Q-Bond" over small patch of duct tape. Or make a ball with slightly moistened Sunlight soap and plug the hole.
(c) Henno says "gun-gum" will work - I'm not so sure.


If it is ON TOP - then it is only the "slosh" that spills - put 10 liter less - it SHOULD [almost] stop the leaking..
[do you use gravity feed or extra pump to get fuel to main tank?]

[Herrie]

I used Pratley Steel to fix mine.

[Russ Kellermann]

Dave if they can;t fix it for you in time, you can just do a temp fix yourself. The pratleys steel will work, but you will have to clean it flippen well first, and then work out a way of making the surface rough without letting iron filings falling into the tank! A self tapping "pozzi_ screw (cut screw) will work as well, but cut a small square of high density foam or something similar, you could even use a piece of bicycle tube folded double, then tap the screw into the offending hole, when the screw pulls up tight it will compress the foam and seal the gap. Remember 2 things, get a screw that has a thread right to the head, and don't over tighten as it will start to slip and loose its bite, just tweak it, you'll know when to stop.

I'm sure if you took it to an engineering shop or steel shop, they could just braise it for you though.

Keep us posted buddy.

Russ

[davejones]

Think it's a gravity feed tank.

Closer inspection on Friday, there are no holes in the tank, all the hoses and clamps have been inspected an re-fitted properly. Still getting a sweat collecting a the bottom.

So need to have tank properly tested, after pleading with Northern Offroad they will test the tank and repair if I find someone to take out the tank and deliver to them, which I have hopefully done by dropping my Patrol off at Safari Centre in Bryanston/Fourways.

At very least then they can tell me which seams may be leaking and where, so if in Zim and starts again then I can make a temporary (or permanent if good job with pratley steel putty) fix.

To clean the area I apply pratley, is best to use thinners first? I'll be taking some sanding sponge / sandpaper with in the tool kit.

Thanks for all the comments gents!

Dave

[Grant]

Best option,

I also have the long range tank in and it sprung a leak on the 3 Provinces trail. Removed the tank and found that it would not hold more than 50- lt. Stress fracture on the side weld on the tanks. They repaired the tank and added extra strength to those areas. Repair was done in a day and no charge.

Please in form Safari Centre to be carefull with the float system.

[davejones]

I've unfortunately been stuffed around somewhat. Feedback from Northern Offroad was that if I can get my tank to them, they can do all the tests and repairs.

Long story short, Northen closed 1pm today, my tank was not taken out and delivered to Northern in time, then even better is I get to Safari at 5pm, they're closed and locked up, not a sight of any life, and I explicitly said I need to be leaving 4am Wednesday morning.

What really pisses me off is that I'm really not an ar$ehole - the very least I could have received is a phone call?! Surely?!

So then on the phone to one of the guys there, got dates mixed up on the job card (im very cynical about the truth these days), inspection with UV light revealing no cracks (dont think UV would pick up stress fracture though?). So getting Patrol back sometime tomorrow, I aksed for it by 10am (assured they'll be at workshop by 6am to work on my Patrol.... ) i just want to get to Francistown before dark!

Not letting it get the holiday down, I just like it when I plan comes together!

Grant what float system are you referring too? I dont think I have any pictures of my tank.

[Kagiso II]

this is bad and sad - these "4x4 dealers" are quick to collect the moola - but the service delivery is not in line with the exuberant prices they charge .
Dave - come through Pretoria by any chance? I have the 55-liter fuel tank [the red plastic one] it fits snugly sideways on the Patrol roof rack] - you are welcome to loan it - come fetch and go enjoy your vacation [it has piping & filter attached so you don't have to struggle to get the fuel in your tank

daa'sy - nou's ik klaa' ingils ge tik vir di eres van hirri jaar...

[Herrie]

Ek het al daai tank geleen en hy werk goed!!