Inliners International Forums General Discussion Truck Talk gas tank saga

In the middle of a snow storm the '89 half ton springs a leak in the gas tank.
Call the parts store - N/A; try a dealer or body shop.
Call the body shop - he can order thru the dealer and get a better price.
Wait a day and call the body shop again - $400+. I don't think so!
Start web surfing.
3 days later find the part at Classic Industries. Order part online.
2 days later get e-mail saying out of stock - the supplier USUALLY comes thru in 2-3 weeks. Cancel order.
Call LMC Truck. 800-222-5664. They have the part, for $160!
Four days later I have the tank, and it's the right one!
I'm a happy camper!

The auto parts stores sell a product called Seal All. It reminds me of the clear glue we used to assemble model cars with. It will seal a gas tank from the outside while the gas is leaking out. Although it works better when the tank is empty. Just clean the area around the leak with a 3m pad, making sure not to creat any sparks. Then put a glob on your thumb and hold it in the hole until it dries. Wait a few minutes and smear on another layer. repeat about three times and your back in business. I just thought I'd pass this on for future reference since you already got that new tank.

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Gael
37 chevy sedan, 261,t5
57 pickup
58 burb

Napa used to seel stuff to repair gas tanks not sure if they still do or not but it was like a wax stick to stop the leak long enough to add the apoxy over that. Stuf worked great.
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Ps but glad you found a tank for much Less then anyone else.


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NovaMan/Twisted6/Larry

[This message has been edited by Twisted6 (edited 01-26-2004).]

A bar of soap will seal a small crack that is seaping in an emergency.

John M., #3370

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I had a leaky tank and tried welding it (it was empty for 25 years before that: DON'T try this at home, kids). I also tried epoxy and finally had the tank professionally sealed by a reputable local establishment. Hopefully yours is less rusty, because mine leaked less than 1 year later.

Great suggestions on patching methods. Since this pickup is primarily used by my wife around the ranch I decided the cost of a new tank was cheaper than a divorce.

Whenever I weld tanks I fill them with water and keep the place to weld up so there is no water contacting the weld area. Gas fumes can last a long time, and I don't want to find out how long.




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