Look, a hole in my tank.

[TOTAL CARNAGE]

I NEVER said J.B.Weld was a fix all anything. I KNOW exactly what J.B.Weld is.
I have been doing this stuff for a long time and know what stuff will and won't do. I also laugh at some of the stupid things people try to fix with the stuff.
I would not have given someone information unless I have done it and know that it works. I have a 58 sportster that was repaired at least 15 years ago.
More than a few big rig tanks repaired where the aluminum tank corrodes under the steel strap...and my current MB that had the same exact hole and all are still holding fuel.
I don't pull info out of my a s and don't take the time to type if I'm not sure of what I'm talking about.....

 

[TOTAL CARNAGE]

I'm kind of sorry for that little rant but come on people.
I'm a reader, not a typer....I search and search for an answer to a problem. When I just can't find it I ask......And I get DO A SEARCH DUDE......
THEN some one asks "Which end of a screwdriver do I hold onto?"and gets three pages of replies !!!!!!!!
I try to be helpful and share some of the knowledge I have acquired and I get noooo you're wrong..........

 

[brian h]

Well, if I should someday be putt putting along and my tank starts leaking. then I guess I will have to bust out my cell phone and call my wife to pick my a** up.

Look at it like this. it has been done with jb weld and there is no going back, so lets see how this experiment works out. I will take one for the team if I have to. no biggie.

here is the completed repair.


Thanks All

 

[motorpsycho]

I NEVER said J.B.Weld was a fix all anything. I KNOW exactly what J.B.Weld is.
I have been doing this stuff for a long time and know what stuff will and won't do. I also laugh at some of the stupid things people try to fix with the stuff.
I would not have given someone information unless I have done it and know that it works. I have a 58 sportster that was repaired at least 15 years ago.
More than a few big rig tanks repaired where the aluminum tank corrodes under the steel strap...and my current MB that had the same exact hole and all are still holding fuel.
I don't pull info out of my a s and don't take the time to type if I'm not sure of what I'm talking about.....

I never said that you think jb weld is the fix all product. I am just stating that because it always seems like when someone breaks something, the first thing that gets said is "use jb weld".

 

[motorbikemike45]

Solder, leaded solder, or pure lead will work. The hole is small and soldering to the brass braise is no different then soldering to copper. Just make sure it is absolutely clean, paint free, well fluxed, and no fuel remains in the tank. Personally I'd use Dawn soap and water to clean the tank, shaking it well with the soap and water mix inside, rinse it well several times with water, drain thoroughly, dry as well as possible, then wash it out with alcohol or acetone, available in any drug, hardware, or paint store, shake well completely coating the interior, drain completely, and let it dry in a very warm area for a day or two, make sure to blow any fumes out of the tank before applying any heat. The alcohol or acetone will combine with any water, gas, oil, etc, leaving a very clean tank and evaporate away more quickly(it is important to do this in a well ventilated area away from any open flames, heat sources, etc). If you are in a hurry, once the alcohol or acetone seems thoroughly dry, heat the tank with a hair dryer for an hour or so. Slightly larger holes can be fixed with a cleaned, fluxed, unplated brass or steel sheet metal screw driven into the hole and then solder around the screw. You can solder plain steel by cleaning it well, fluxing, and tinning the surface with lead or 50/50 solder. Other solders than lead will work, but lead or 50/50 lead-tin solder is just so much easier to work with. If the tank explodes, don't blame me. It means you didn't clean, dry, and blow out any fumes in the the tank well enough. :-O

 

[MikeJ]

Getting fumes out of a tank.... I learned from professional welders a long time ago that most of them will not put a flame to a tank if it held anything potentially explosive. But they would after the tank was completely filled with water to overflowing. That forces volatile fuels out of the tank; the fuels would all float on the water surface and out into the street. After emptying the tank, they would start welding. No need to wait until dried out; the heat will make the drying process happen.

 

[Danny3xd]

Well, if I should someday be putt putting along and my tank starts leaking. then I guess I will have to bust out my cell phone and call my wife to pick my a** up.

Look at it like this. it has been done with jb weld and there is no going back, so lets see how this experiment works out. I will take one for the team if I have to. no biggie.

here is the completed repair.


Thanks All

How is it holding up Brian?

 

[brian h]

I let the repair sit for about 24 hrs. I have the tank on now with the new shut off from SBP and so far so good. I went down to the beach today on the bike sat at the tiki bar and had a beer. I rode it home and still no leaks. I will let you know if things change.

Dont drink and bike.

Do as I say not as I do.

 

[Danny3xd]

LOL Brian. My MBs often ask to go get a cold one. Have a very old bar right around the corner. Lots of tourists happen past. I really, really enjoy watching the reactions. Some times they come inside and ask who owns it. Always the usual questions. "Did you build it, where can I get one, speed and mileage?" But watching them look is a joy. Hehe, folks in the bar ask if you can get a DUI on one (YES!, can get one on a horse, lawnmower, bicycle or any thing. If you are on their road, you are subject)

Glad to hear your repair is working! Great info, thanks

 

[Turtle Tedd]

Read This Again

why is it that a lot of people seem to think that j.b. weld is THE fix-all product?
it's nothing more than an epoxy with the word "weld" in the name.
Good luck with it...gas will eat jb weld over time.

well, i'm going to correct myself here.
it says that jb weld is impervious to gasoline on their website.
But from personal experience, i have seen jb weld literally melt away after being exposed to gasoline over long periods of time.

Everyone should read this above post ...JB WELD does not weld anything...period...as a welder I have seen this stuff used on everything that should have been welded in the first place...if it gets into a seem or joint and you cant clean it out, . its pretty hard to weld over it.....and yes gasoline will eat it up, quickly.