Leaking Tank
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,900
Likes: 3
From: Campbell River, B.C.
I had to repair my rear tank late last year. Dropped it, emptied it, then cleaned the pitted area the best I could using a wire wheel in a 5" angle grinder (gloves and full face protection is not a bad idea). Soldered it with a small butane torch (to each his own), then cleaned the flux off with solvent and a wire brush. Then used epoxy tank sealer to cover up the solder patch. The idea was to protect corrosion from ruining the bond. After all was done I undercoated the whole tank with a parafin wax undercoating.
As it turns out, the OBS powerstrokes started using plastic fuel tanks, so that will be what I'll get when I have to patch a tank again.
As it turns out, the OBS powerstrokes started using plastic fuel tanks, so that will be what I'll get when I have to patch a tank again.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: Grosse Ile Mi.
I have welded 100s of gas tanks. The prescribed method is to take it out side fill it with soap and water put a air hose with a small orifice in it.. let the bubbles take out the fuel it takes a day or so but when its done its safe..
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,242
Likes: 3
From: Joliet, Illinois
Any of you guys know what tank I could use to replace a rear tank on my 1991 diesel that would have more capacity?
Perhaps the same year 38 gallon bronco tank?
I know it is a "gasoline" fuel tank, but wonder if the diesel sender would fit the hole and I could just extend the pick up and the sender arm to fit the deeper tank.
My gasoline fuel line tools and plugs fit the diesel lines, so I know the fuel lines will fit.
I need to replace it before the front starts to leak, although it did look like it was in fairly decent shape last year when I pulled it for inspection and to reinstall that round pick up tube flapper that fell out causing it to suck air at 1/4 full tank.
Perhaps the same year 38 gallon bronco tank?
I know it is a "gasoline" fuel tank, but wonder if the diesel sender would fit the hole and I could just extend the pick up and the sender arm to fit the deeper tank.
My gasoline fuel line tools and plugs fit the diesel lines, so I know the fuel lines will fit.
I need to replace it before the front starts to leak, although it did look like it was in fairly decent shape last year when I pulled it for inspection and to reinstall that round pick up tube flapper that fell out causing it to suck air at 1/4 full tank.
Methanoholic
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,442
Likes: 8
From: Maine (NorCal Native)
I've watched my father braze many tanks, He fills them plumb full of gas (No air/fume pockets) Lights them on fire and goes to brazing...
In the wrecking yard I worked in as a kid, my boss used to stand on the trunk, drop the torch to the filler pipe... Seen him (all 6.6" @ 340lbs) go flying a couple of times.
Not Me, never had the b....
-Enjoy
fh : )_~
In the wrecking yard I worked in as a kid, my boss used to stand on the trunk, drop the torch to the filler pipe... Seen him (all 6.6" @ 340lbs) go flying a couple of times.
Not Me, never had the b....
-Enjoy
fh : )_~
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,900
Likes: 3
From: Campbell River, B.C.
LMAO!!! I don't like gasoline, never touch the stuff.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
Putting a torch on a tank full of gasoline, I can't say my opinion on that on here.
A diesel tank, that is a lot different story unless it is over 100 degrees, then I would be a bit leary.
Saw a guy try using a Bic lighter to see in a semi fuel tank one night after he had been driving for several hours.
The return happened to be in the tank he tried to see in, the vapors from the hot return line fuel did ignite and he did get a hair trim whae it flashed out around his head.
Compounded many times by the fact he was trying to see in the tank.
But after the initial flash, the vapor was gone and the fire went out.
That story would have been much worse if it would have been a tank of gasoline.
A diesel tank, that is a lot different story unless it is over 100 degrees, then I would be a bit leary.
Saw a guy try using a Bic lighter to see in a semi fuel tank one night after he had been driving for several hours.
The return happened to be in the tank he tried to see in, the vapors from the hot return line fuel did ignite and he did get a hair trim whae it flashed out around his head.
Compounded many times by the fact he was trying to see in the tank.
But after the initial flash, the vapor was gone and the fire went out.
That story would have been much worse if it would have been a tank of gasoline.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,501
Likes: 5
From: Faibanks Ak.
Putting a torch on a tank full of gasoline, I can't say my opinion on that on here.
A diesel tank, that is a lot different story unless it is over 100 degrees, then I would be a bit leary.
Saw a guy try using a Bic lighter to see in a semi fuel tank one night after he had been driving for several hours.
The return happened to be in the tank he tried to see in, the vapors from the hot return line fuel did ignite and he did get a hair trim whae it flashed out around his head.
Compounded many times by the fact he was trying to see in the tank.
But after the initial flash, the vapor was gone and the fire went out.
That story would have been much worse if it would have been a tank of gasoline.
A diesel tank, that is a lot different story unless it is over 100 degrees, then I would be a bit leary.
Saw a guy try using a Bic lighter to see in a semi fuel tank one night after he had been driving for several hours.
The return happened to be in the tank he tried to see in, the vapors from the hot return line fuel did ignite and he did get a hair trim whae it flashed out around his head.
Compounded many times by the fact he was trying to see in the tank.
But after the initial flash, the vapor was gone and the fire went out.
That story would have been much worse if it would have been a tank of gasoline.
This makes me think you should have to pass a common sense test to ride a bicycle on the street much less drive a truck. lol
But I saw a construction (dirt) super. do the same thing one time. Go figgure.
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Methanoholic
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,442
Likes: 8
From: Maine (NorCal Native)
I was on my way home from Football practice one night and my 1968 Belvedere 318 over heated... What do I do, pull over and pop the hood, rad cap and stuck my lighter in the rad to see if I could see coolant... What a pretty blue/green flame at night!
Never done that again!
I was only 16...
-Enjoy
fh : )_~
Never done that again!
I was only 16...
-Enjoy
fh : )_~
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,900
Likes: 3
From: Campbell River, B.C.
I set off a small metal container of diesel on the floor of the shop just to see how flamable it really was. Guessing a few tablespoons of the stuff. Took about 5 seconds with a propane torch to get it going, and even then, it wasn't a big deal. What was a little supprising is just how hot it was though after only a few seconds of burning.
It wasn't very hot that day, and the concrete floor was cool and in the shade, so that also plays a role. In direct sunlight on a hot summer day, I would certainly conisder a diesel container a fire hazard. Gasoline in the same conditions? lets not go there.
It wasn't very hot that day, and the concrete floor was cool and in the shade, so that also plays a role. In direct sunlight on a hot summer day, I would certainly conisder a diesel container a fire hazard. Gasoline in the same conditions? lets not go there.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
I have seen guys set a pan with a little gasoline in it on the floor and toss matches in it.
Below about 45 degrees, the gasoline usually puts the match out.
From 45 to about 75, instant fire
Above 75, the higher it is above 75 the farther you better be from the pan when the match hits.
Below about 45 degrees, the gasoline usually puts the match out.
From 45 to about 75, instant fire
Above 75, the higher it is above 75 the farther you better be from the pan when the match hits.