Not as dramatic as it sounds, I know its a no-no to weld petrol tanks but what about a diesel?
The thing leaks if you put more than 15 litres in so I presume its the seam gone.
Anyone any advise on welding or brazing diesel tanks. No explosion? but are they a fire risk??
I'd say get it hot steam cleaned to remove any fuel before doing any welding or brazing - not worth the risk in my opinion. The steam clean will
also help you to see what the problem is more clearly.
Cheers,
Craig.
Once worked in a garage that had a parafin dispensing machine installed . When the tank was filled a leak was found so the tanker driver emptied the tank. When a guy from the tank suppliers turned up to weld the tank he said it was better to do it with a full tank . Don't know if that applies to diesel so don't blame me if you try it. Best of luck . PS have you thought about a second hand tank?
When heated up diesel is as explosive as petrol if mixed in the correct quantity with air, it may be easier to wash out with lots of detergent and hot
water. If I was going to weld it I would fill the tank with C02 from an extinguisher or mig welding bottle and maintain a flow of the gas through it
whilst welding it.
I have done this myself in the past but obviously wouldnt recomend it to anyone.
Paul.
Welded tanks in the past
Remove empty and wash out - run a hose from a running engines exhaust into the tank - leave for five minutes running then weld still with the exhaust
gas going into the tank.
Its the same principle as welding with a full tank mentioned above - no room for oxygen to create an explosive atmosphere.
Andrew
Exhaust running in the tank worked for me also, just make sure that the tank you are playing with has welded seams before you start, some are brazed
or if off something really old soldered !
If you do not like exhust fumes take a second pipe from your welding bottle and fill with inert gas, its just a case of getting rid of O2.
Regards Mark
Not a diesel tank but had a swirl pot welded in to my petrol tank. Just emptied tank and soaked in soapy water for a few days, rinsing regularly.
Worked for me but then I wasn't doing the welding!
Ben.
quote:
PS have you thought about a second hand tank?
)
There's a product called Petro patch or something similar. It's some sort of cataloy resin, similar to fibreglass, have used with success
with both petrol & diesel tanks.
If you want to weld a petrol tank I was told it's safest to "fire" it first - strip & clean with soapy water, then stand behind a
tree or similar protection & drop a lighted rag into the tank using a long pole!
(If you can't find a Pole a Swede might do!!
), at most
you should get a mild Whuuump, mine did nothing - very boring, then welded it up no probs - but don't blame me if it blows up!
Have welded full diesel tanks before, the diesel that has leaked out burns but that in the tank, having no oxygen, does not. It was, however, a 1000 gallon tank made of 1/4" plate, not a car tank. Car tanks we fill with soapy bubbles. Just a small bit of Fairy and water, give it a shake and weld it up, no week wait, no burning rags, just a tried and tested technique proved over forty years.
What about a tube of JB weld. Might just suffice until car finally gives up. There is always the resin stuff you slosh about inside as well.
Works for petrols as well.