The weight of a plastic gas tank is less than half that of a comparable metal gas tank. In the world of motorcycle racing and ATV enthusiasts, plastic gas tanks are in high demand because of their durability.
There are several fairly easy ways in which you can repair a plastic gas tank that has small holes or tears in it. Here in this article, I will discuss how to fix a hole in a plastic gas tank.
Read More: Best Epoxy For Plastic Gas Tank Repair
How To Fix A Hole In A Plastic Gas Tank?
Materials Required To Repair Hole / Crack / Leak In A Plastic Gas Tank
If there is still some gas within the plastic tank, then the 2 Part liquid epoxy technique will not be particularly effective. In spite of the fact that the fuel will not dissolve the epoxy, the fuel will leak through before the epoxy is able to cure properly. As a result, you are left with the same issue in the end.
If you wish to do a wet repair on a plastic gas tank, epoxy putty compound stick is the correct material to use. Unlike most two-part epoxy putty sticks, this 2-part epoxy putty stick comes as a single stick, which has both components already measured out and prepared for use.
You just need to cut off the required length and blend the two components together. As soon as you apply it to the leak on the tank, it will become hard within 5 minutes and will cure completely within one hour. There is a clay type consistency to the epoxy putty compound that makes it impossible for gas or any other liquid to leak through it or past it because of the clay type consistency.
You should keep in mind that this epoxy putty is able to withstand temperature fluctuations of 300°F as well as pressures of 900 PSI, which makes it an ideal product for sealing the leak in your fuel tank.
Prepare Surface Before Hole Repair
It is important to locate the leak before you begin any repair work. There is a possibility that the leak may be hard to find. If you use a towel, you should be able to see where the leak is by drying the tank.
If the tank is really unclean or rusted, a little amount of brake cleaner may be required. Once you’ve located the leak, mark it. Make sure the area around the leak is thoroughly cleaned for about 3 to 4 inches. Cleaning the entire area, you just marked off with sandpaper will ensure it is clean down to the bare metal.
Sand the problematic area with sanding paper. Use medium rough sandpaper. There are two reasons why sanding is necessary. The first step is to clean the area and allow the PE plastic stick to better adhere to the PE tank. The second reason for sanding debriefs is that it will fill in the cracks inside.
Read More: Will JB Weld Work on A Plastic Gas Tank
How To Apply Epoxy To Repair Crack / Hole / Leak In A Plastics Gas Tank?
Step 1: Allow the gasoline to dry out in the tank after draining it from the tank. After sanding the area around the hole or crack, you should clean the area with a damp shop cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol.
Step 2: Combine the two parts of the epoxy together in a mixing bowl and apply the epoxy all around the perimeter of the opening. You will need to cut a fiberglass patch large enough to cover the opening and overlap it slightly.
Step 3: It is important to place the fiberglass patch over the hole and press it into the epoxy. More epoxy should be applied to the patch and the surrounding area, pressing firmly to ensure that the patch is saturated with epoxy.
Step 4: The patched area should be allowed to dry, then sanded smooth and, if desired, spray painted with a plastic paint.
Will JB Weld Fix A Hole In A Gas Tank?
Yes. JB Weld can fix holes in a gas tank. They also sell a gas tank and bumper repair kit, which contains epoxy putty, fiberglass cloth, sandpaper, and an applicator.
Can You Duct Tape A Leaking Gas Tank?
No, you can’t. Gas tank leaks cannot also be repaired with duct tape. Duct tape adhesive will dissolve when exposed to gas.
Does Flex Seal Work On Plastic Gas Tanks?
No, you can’t use flex seal on flammable materials. So, you should not use flex seal to seal a plastic gas tank.
Last Opinion
In conclusion, a 2-part epoxy putty stick is the best when you try to repair a hole in a plastic gas tank. But you can also use Plastic Welder or Soldering Gun for this.
In this article, I will try to explain how to fix a hole in a plastic gas tank. Hopefully, it will help you to fix the hole in your plastic gas tank.
