Hole in gas tank- can it be repaired?

[ejp2fast]

So I just filled up with gas this morning (OF COURSE!!)) .... and on the way home from work I hit this small piece of angle iron or something like that- well it clunked under the car and at the next stop sign the dreaded had happened..... nice drip line was following me.......

the hole is about 1/2 inch long and 1/16 inch wide.... can this be repaired with JB-weld or similar? I saw this:

http://jbweld.net/products/uses.php

but does that really work? I am sure it would for a little while, but what about long term? As this hole is larger than most (tank drained in 30 minutues) i am skeptical...

[Grey Vw]

On Monster Garage they used some kind of epoxy on a gas tank because of a non sealing weld.

[hotrodin4me]

jb weld will not work were gas is present
used it this summer to fix a gas tank and it did not work
after a few fill up it came lose

[ejp2fast]

my tank is dry.. and the area around it is to... all gas is out... even scraped the protective rubber coating around the hole 1/2 inch or so to get a better visual.....

[drddan]

JB WELD WILL WORK! Just need to get it CLEAN and sanded so it will grip the metal on the tank. I have used it before and it held for over a year. (got 'nother car, still holding)
CLEAN with Denatured Alcohol - sand to metal with 100 grit sandpaper - CLEAN AGAIN with D. Alcohol. When there is no dirt showing on a white rag, then it is clean.
Did I mention CLEAN? Can't stress that enough - CLEAN!
After JB is setup, spray with paint or undercoating - fill tank.

There is a "gas tank repair kit" available too. A 2 part clay type epoxy formulated for gas tanks. Works good too.

[bravekozak]

another tank

The Festiva tank comes out easily enough. Just pull off all the hoses from on inside the car, take of the nut for the parking brake clamp, and finally remove the four bolts holding it on. It is not heavy when empty. Get a new tank or a used tank from another donor car. Make sure the junk yard doesn't cut a hole in them to drain the gas out before putting them in the yard. I have a spare 89 tank I am not using. I only used it for about four months.

[Pu241]

On Monster Garage they used some kind of epoxy on a gas tank because of a non sealing weld.

JB weld is an epoxy.

ddrdan is correct, the area needs to be absolutely clean of rust,dirt, oil, and any hydrocarbons (gasoline) to bond correctly.

[ejp2fast]

thanks guys... also, how long would you recommend letting the JB-weld set up before filling the tank?

[drddan]

The recommended time given by the manufacturer is good enough.

[ejp2fast]

well i'll give it a shot tonight....

[Festy46]

You can get new tanks on eBay for about $130.00 including shipping.

[Pu241]

Yes, new tank or drop tank flush out with water and have it welded up properly is a permanent repair.
I look upon the epoxy as a good temp repair, which may last quite a while if properly done but still a stop gap measure till it can be done correctly.

[Festiva Time]

Welding is the best way to patch the hole. With the tank empty, put about a pound of dry ice into the tank and give a few minutes to "melt" before welding. The carbon dioxide will prevent ignition of an fumes.

[ShagFestiva]

Welding is the best way to patch the hole. With the tank empty, put about a pound of dry ice into the tank and give a few minutes to "melt" before welding. The carbon dioxide will prevent ignition of an fumes.

Dam that would work well....when did my buddies I just routed the exhaust from a car into the tank to take care of the fumes.

[ejp2fast]

I think replacement will be my best bet at this point... as my hole is on the larger side, JB weld will not fill the hole as the volume of epoxy is too big.
Already called a local member who has a parts car and I can pull the tank from it.