Plastic gas tank ideas?

J

JustinGJ

New member
Joined
Mar 2, 2010
Messages
7
Age
45
Location
Reynolds, ND
Hey all, new member. I've got a '73 SL433, rear mount plastic gas tank. It always had a slow gas leak that never bothered me that much since it meant I always had fresh gas. This fall I tore the sled down partially and painted the belly pan and tunnel, sewed a new seat cover and basically got it looking better. I don't want gas wrecking the new paint, so I need to fix my leak. I have about 6 or so hairline cracks in the bottom of the plastic gas tank. I tried melting them closed with a soldering iron and may have fixed most of them, but it does still have a leak. Anyone here have any sure-fire ways of fixing a leaking plastic tank, or know where you can buy a universal tank that is a decent size? The racing ones are too small, even for the small amount I ride. Thanks in advance, I'll get some pics of the sled up soon.
 
Plastic welder and epoxy putty

You might consider one of the inexpensive plastic welders from Harbor Freight. They just blow a small stream of very hot air that you can melt cracks and run a bead just like you would with a gas welder.

Then follow-up over the top with a coating of epoxy putty to give it strength and protect it. This is crude but effective. I have also used this method for repairing holes and cracks in snowblower discharge chutes and ATV fenders and plastic parts. I have also found that I can take a piece of plastic from a 5 gal. gas can or a 55 gal. food storage barrel and rivet a patch in place then use the plastic welder to seal the sides and corners.
 
The only luck I have had repairing these tanks is with my woodburning tool. Just melt the material into the crack. Nothing else sticks to the tank but the same material. I have a old tank that I use as a donor when I need plastic to repair the old tanks. You can use some of the material from around the neck for the repair also, there is excess material around the neck area.
 
I have a rear tank that is in good - crack free conditon. Dont recall what year is from, but it is the shorter height rear tank.
$10 shipped and its yours

Just want it off the shelf
 
Monty, let me take a pic of my tank and post it to see if it's the same, if it is I'd sure take you up on that.
 
I'm going to take one last try at fixing this tank, but I do have another '73 SL 292C as well that has a fuel leak. I should almost pick that tank up from you just in case I can't get one of these tanks fixed up. Does your tank have the fittings on the top and fill neck similar to these tanks?
 
Justin - for $10 you cant go wrong. PM me your address and I'll put it in the mail.
The tank I have must be from a '71 or maybe '72. EXACT same shape, look, fill cap and vent cap, but just a few inches shorter.
If memory serves me correct, the tank I have does not have the fill cap or vent cap. You'll just have to use the caps you have
 
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