Cracked Fuel Tank

[cass_cass94]

Hey guys and gals

Noticed today that there is a small crack in the long range tank on my 2011 patrol. The crack is on the front side of the tank and is about 10mm long going horizontaly. Would like to get it sorted pretty soon as it leaks when I fill the tank up past a certain point.
Just wondering how it can be fixed and if I would be able to do it myself or would have to take it to somebody.

Thanks in advance

[Bigcol]

best Idea would be to take it to someone - but they will tell you what you already know - its stuffed

quick fix, which will get you out of trouble in the short term

thoroughly clean around the crack, all paint, dirt, fuel, etc
get a stick of Palmolive soap
rub it into the crack as much as you can

leave it for awhile, then jack the rear up, so its at an angle you know the fuel will be over the crack
if no leaks - good, clean around the area well, and use some Kneed It over the top of the crack
http://www.selleys.com.au/putty/epox...multi-purpose/
if leaks - not so good


the above will get you out of trouble in the short term, as I said

but

best Idea, take it in and get it fixed properly

[BigRAWesty]

No offense but if your asking how I'd take it to a welder.
They'll need to clean the tank out and then weld it.

[mudnut]

There are some of those two part putties that should suit a fuel tank. I used some on a steel fuel line that lasted for years but .
is really just a quick fix. As Kallen wrote an experienced welder should fix it.
I would also check the tank mounts to find out why it started cracking in the first place.

[Hodge]

Graham Cahill recently used that 2 part putty that literally turns into solid metal over the crack in his diesel tank. It was on their Kimberley DVD, but the fix was only worth a day or so driving.

[dom14]

I'm just wondering the reason the epoxy putty doesn't work on steel tanks.
I've used epoxy to patch up a jerry can. It's been going for years without leaks.

How would a long range tank crack?!!! Must be from an impact!

[cass_cass94]

Yea looks like it might have been from a rock flicking up

[rusty00]

Weld it up.
If you can get to the crack while the tank is still in place.
Drain fuel 100%, make sure it is all out and purg with exhaust gases or warm nitrogen gas.
Once purged and dry and while being purged you can weld in place.

[BigRAWesty]

Yea looks like it might have been from a rock flicking up

So any progress?

[dom14]

Weld it up.
If you can get to the crack while the tank is still in place.
Drain fuel 100%, make sure it is all out and purg with exhaust gases or warm nitrogen gas.
Once purged and dry and while being purged you can weld in place.

How do you "purge" with exhaust gas? Where do you get nitrogen gas to purge the tank?