Gas Tank Dents
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,093
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From: Brentwood, TN
Many different ways...with the rise in popularity (and the availability of trained technicians) I would talk to one of the paintless dent repair folks in your area, they are trained to come in through a limited opening and push out dents and dings.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
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From: Durham NC
Dents? was the tank mistreated after removal, or are these from road contact/collision? If the latter, be sure any abrasion hasn't weakened the metal to the point there is a weaping leak. Gasoline has a much lower surface tension than water or other such liquids so will seap thru the finest of holes. After having the tank straightened I would recommend cleaning the inside and slush coating it to be sure it is fully sealed. Of course by the time you do all that, it might be cheaper (and safer) to find another tank in pristine shape.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,644
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From: Moro Bay, AR
I once worked a summer job at a place that made 55 gal. drums and reconditioned used drums. On the ones that were dented, they would use around 2-3 psi of air pressure to straighten dents. On a gas tank I would make sure no gasoline was still present before pressurizing it though (and maybe fill it with water)
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Island Southeast Alaska
Originally Posted by mechmagcn
I once worked a summer job at a place that made 55 gal. drums and reconditioned used drums. On the ones that were dented, they would use around 2-3 psi of air pressure to straighten dents. On a gas tank I would make sure no gasoline was still present before pressurizing it though (and maybe fill it with water)
Now this may not sound right, But it is how I do it now. I fill them with water and leave the cap off and freeze them. as the water expands it pushes the dents out. Also loosens the rust. It works for me. Just don't forget about it or you will have a near round tank. Or a split seam. Also before brazing a hole in a fuel tank run exhaust into it for several minutes. This renders the fumes non explosive. Some of you chem students can explaine why this is.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
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From: Durham NC
The exhaust replaces the air with carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide which are both heavier than air. Unless the engine is running extremely lean, there is nearly no oxygen left in the exhaust stream. Any minute amount of oxygen left will be picked up by the CO, converting it to CO2.
PS: I don't think I could fit a gas tank full of water into our freezer, and my wife definitely would not think it was a good idea, dents or no dents!
PS: I don't think I could fit a gas tank full of water into our freezer, and my wife definitely would not think it was a good idea, dents or no dents!
Last edited by AXracer; Jan 15, 2007 at 11:42 AM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 14,325
Likes: 14
From: Island Southeast Alaska
I here that AX. We have several Fish processing plants around with walk in freezers. And most of the time this time of year just leave it outside. I have also used the suction cup dent puller with success.
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Hotshot
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Florida Panhandle
Tank Dents
I am going to try the auto body method first. I live in the panhandle of FL so The Ice method may not work. I think the compressed air method will work but I need to find a junk pickup in case I mess everything else up.
Thanks for the input!
Dennis
Thanks for the input!
Dennis
FTE Legend
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: northwestern Ontario
Hello mamelukesword, you my want to check out www.gastanks.com , you may find that their prices are quit reasonable, just a thought.
John
John