Will I Explode??
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Joined: Jan 2004
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Will I Explode??
I am coming to the point where I might have to cut or grind the nuts off of the gas tank shield in order to repair a leaking gas tank. I know there is no gas left in the tank(it slowly leaked out). I havent driven the truck for a couple weeks...but i can still smell a little gas when i am under her. Will the sparks be dangerous or am I ok with a die grinder or cut off wheel?? They are all rusted, rounded, and coroded.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,486
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From: Independence, MO
of course there no garuntees in anything but, I think i would put about 10 gals water in the tank, just dont switch the key on if its a elct pump that way you dont pick up any water in the lines, rinse down the underside with water to eliminate any excess gas, do it out in the open drive way or place a fan underneath there with you so it will blow passed you, use a grinder or cut off wheel not a tourch, and you should be okay, some raiator shops can chemicly clean the tank once its off and that will eliminate any water unless your gona replace the take. Good luck DW
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,526
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From: Round Rock, TX
If you can smell gas fumes when you're under there, then the fumes will find the sparks. If the crack is in the bottom of the tank, then DW's idea of putting some water in there will carry the liquid gas away from the crack so fumes should stop escaping. When considering how much water to add, be aware that each gallon weighs roughly six pounds.
Postmaster
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,933
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From: South Ga
My suggestions, be it harder, would be a nut splitter. Second choice the hammer and chisel if possible. Yes the water and fan are great ideas. Neighbor just burnt (total) his ford crew cab dually while working on exhaust....
Also consider a shield if you go with the die grinder.
Also consider a shield if you go with the die grinder.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 279
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When dealing with gasoline, the greatest danger is with the fumes, not the liquid. If you can smell fumes, then avoid making sparks.
Depending on how quickly you need it fixed, I'd go with the water in the tank approach. Then point a fan under the truck. Wait a while and see if the smell goes away.
Keep a fire extinguisher handy. And a helper nearby just in case.
A hammer and chisel *will make sparks. Not as bad as a grinder, but you only need 1.
Depending on how quickly you need it fixed, I'd go with the water in the tank approach. Then point a fan under the truck. Wait a while and see if the smell goes away.
Keep a fire extinguisher handy. And a helper nearby just in case.
A hammer and chisel *will make sparks. Not as bad as a grinder, but you only need 1.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,526
Likes: 0
From: Round Rock, TX
Keep the fire extinguisher handy, but be aware that it will be an explosion of the tank and not just a flame that you will see if something goes wrong.
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Postmaster
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,933
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From: South Ga
Keep working with the nut splitter........
edit:
Use the fan whatever method you use. Even the splitter.
If you do use the hammer or die grinder, remember the sheild (face) and water in the tank.
Hope you get this before trying. Gas fumes are nothing to play with.
edit:
Use the fan whatever method you use. Even the splitter.
If you do use the hammer or die grinder, remember the sheild (face) and water in the tank.
Hope you get this before trying. Gas fumes are nothing to play with.
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