aluminum gas tank repair

[tfret]

I pulled the belly tank out of our 1984 ski boat today. I had already planned on replacing the filler hose and vent hose. Since I had the deck up to access the hose connections on the tank, I decided to pull the tank out for inspection. What I found are a few spots, mostly on the bottom, that appear corroded and pitted. They don't appear to be leaking at all, its mostly surface corrosion. Some are pitted deeper than others. I was wondering if there is a sealer I can paint these spots with to repair them. Maybe some type of expoxy coating or something?

 

[mkast]

Re: aluminum gas tank repair

http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/usc-all-metal-premium-aluminum-filled-auto-body-filler-p-14787.aspx

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: aluminum gas tank repair

And then after you are done with the product in the link above, a good heavy coat of paint will help buy it some time also.

 

[tfret]

Re: aluminum gas tank repair

Is that like JB weld? Wonder if I can get it locally anywhere. I'm guessing a good oil base paint over it all afterwards would be good. I forgot to mention, fresh lake water application.

 

[mkast]

Re: aluminum gas tank repair

For adhesion, clean the tank with something like aluminum jelly.
I have used the All Metal, easy to work with, I haven't used JB Weld.
A two part epoxy paint might be better, it's aluminum.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: aluminum gas tank repair

My favorite radiator shop has "boiled" out several tanks for me and internally sealed them with a fuel tank epoxy. Ran about $120 for the last one I had done. Never leaked again and some of them were pretty pin holed. Then I guess you can do whatever to make the outside purdy again!