Help!
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Senior User
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Help!
Well after taking my new 78 F250 Crew Cab on its maiden voyage let's just say things did not go so well. When I went to fill up the rear tank, I noticed gas dripping from it. What I found was this is a plastic tank with a slit on it. Some genius decided to put some silicone over the crack and let's just say it didn't work. So I dealt with it all day trying to get a 78-79 tank for a replacement. What I forgot to remember was that the bed is not a 78-79. Needless to say the tank did not fit. Here is the tank ann here is the bed. What years work for this truck and what fuel tank do I need? I believe it's a 73 through 77 but I wanted to verify before I can proceed with buying one in paying shipping both ways. Also, I have two tanks, so how do I go about making sure I can just use the front one for now without any issues?
Thanks.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
That looks like a 38-gallon tank. I don't know whether it was an option on a crewcab. However, 38-gallon tanks are available from various vendors like Jeff's Bronco Graveyard. Are there any Ford part numbers stamped or otherwise found on the tank?
Btw, save that shield... If OEM, it is likely not reproduced.
Btw, save that shield... If OEM, it is likely not reproduced.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
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That looks like a 38-gallon tank. I don't know whether it was an option on a crewcab. However, 38-gallon tanks are available from various vendors like Jeff's Bronco Graveyard. Are there any Ford part numbers stamped or otherwise found on the tank?
Btw, save that shield... If OEM, it is likely not reproduced.
Btw, save that shield... If OEM, it is likely not reproduced.
Any suggestions will be appreciated.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Angier, NC
You are using a hot iron to melt the plastic with a plastic rod to add plastic so no flames.
But to be safe wash it out with a lot soap & water and let air out before doing any work on it.
But to be safe wash it out with a lot soap & water and let air out before doing any work on it.
Now what cut that tank? Was it the bed cross brace? If so maybe use flat sheet metal so the bed hit the sheet and the flat sheet is to the tank.
Or could hammer the brace lip flat so it does not hit the tank.
Dave ----
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I honestly don't know what did that. It doesn't look like it was rubbing. Maybe the previous owner found this to replace one that was in worse shape. I found a Plastics manufacturing shop by me that I might bring it too. Let the experts try before I screw up up.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Angier, NC
See what they can do and if not you have option of DIY.
Keep us posted how you make out.
Dave ----
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Chillicothe, IA
JB Weld makes a product called wet weld I think. It sticks to most anything and is gas resistant.
https://www.jbweld.com/products/waterweld-epoxy-putty
Or it is called water weld.
https://www.jbweld.com/products/waterweld-epoxy-putty
Or it is called water weld.
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Senior User
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I saw that and was thinking about it but I still think the best thing is to try to seal it with plastic welding. It's such a small slit that I think it should be a fairly simple fix but I just don't want to do it without confirming with somebody who has a lot of knowledge on these type of products like that plastic shop I was talking about. Maybe they have a better product that you can use. Those products never seem to be a permanent fix from what I've seen but I could be wrong.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Chillicothe, IA
it really depends on whether you follow the instructions and clean and ruff up area, and then let it set up. We used a different stuff on a metal tank on a work truck. It lasted for several years, and it was dripping gas when we put it on.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2009
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I work with plastics all the time. There are a few things to remember with plastic welding:
1) When you are going to patch job, the surface has to be very clean for the weld to stick properly. If it isn't the weld has an easier time separating.
2) Your material was the strongest it would ever be in its whole unslit form. Now that it has been breached, the whole area is weaker.
3) Finally, You may not like the price for a weld repair. When plastic shops do repairs on old materials like this, they often times don't offer warranties. Do your search for a new gas tank. It will be worth it in the long run.
1) When you are going to patch job, the surface has to be very clean for the weld to stick properly. If it isn't the weld has an easier time separating.
2) Your material was the strongest it would ever be in its whole unslit form. Now that it has been breached, the whole area is weaker.
3) Finally, You may not like the price for a weld repair. When plastic shops do repairs on old materials like this, they often times don't offer warranties. Do your search for a new gas tank. It will be worth it in the long run.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: NE Texas
Happen to have some of the WaterWeld on hand and it specifically states it can be used on fuel tanks (so it is apparently more gas-resistant than regular JB Weld which turns to mush when submersed in gas a long time. Don't ask how I know.) It also says it will work on plastic including PVC. Might be worth a shot as a temporary measure. I agree that big tank is a 38 gallon; they barely fit between standard frame rails so if yours are narrower, could be a big problem.
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Senior User
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Fixed
Found a local plastic welding fabrication shop that did the repair. This tank is polyethylene in case you need to know. They tested a few plastics, found that that's the material and made the repair. $40 out the door. Just tested it and looks great.