Slight leak on aluminium fuel tank.

[philipmason]

Hi
Advice much appreciated.
New to me Trapper 500 with 40 litre diesel fixed fuel tank.
It is leaking a bit from the bottom.
What are my options
It is connected to engine and fuel filler cap and well secured . I can get my hand underneath .
New tank?
Seal it somehow ?
Take up golf?
Thanks
Philip

 

[Boathook]

Really need to get the tank out, cleaned and then inspected to see whether to repair or replace.

 

[sarabande]

It sounds as if age and corrosion are the source, and I would be unwilling to trust a spot repair as other leaks may develop.

The best replacement tanks are HSPE, as made by by Tektanks and others. If you go for a new one, you can specify a cleaning lid, which is extremely useful.

If you contact tank makers, they may have tanks with similar dimensions in stock.

40 litres sounds like a v large tank for a Trapper. Do you need a large amount of fuel for any reason ?

 

[footsoldier]

Really need to get the tank out, cleaned and then inspected to see whether to repair or replace.

Sound advice.

However, I am reminded that I had a leak in an aluminium petrol tank (motorcycle) many moons ago, for which as a temporary bodge I used a two-stick epoxy putty, sold at Halfrauds for that purpose. It has been so effective that I quite forgot about it until now. Worth a thought if you're really stuck.

 

[waynes world]

I had a leak on a LPG water heater on the outlet pipe of the aluminum pipe work, i used Milliput and it lasted for years. Its a bodge but if it lasts then its a good bodged for time being untill you can get the tank out to replace. But only if you can get to the area to clean it back fully.

 

[oldgit]

Really need to get the tank out, cleaned and then inspected to see whether to repair or replace.

+1
Fuel tank on one of my previous boats had a weep. After removal it revealed many other spot points of corrosion , suspect due to water.
Welds were 100%.
Awkward shaped tank was repaired by local welding outfit.
A complete bottom welded on with a flange ? about 2" high up side walls of tank .