-
How to Use Gas Tank Sealer
Making use of a gas tank sealer is a perfect way to repair a break in your vehicle’s gas tank.
Step 1. Empty the Gas Tank
In the event of a small and hairline crack, particularly higher up the gas tank wall, it is possible to repair without removing the tank. In these cases, the gas tank needs to be drained beyond the crack or tear. In the event that the damage is underneath, the entire tank will need to be drained and allowed to dry. Make sure you drive your vehicle until all the gas has been utilized.
Step 2. Ensure that the Gas Tank and Engine Is Cool
Wait for the vehicle to cool down so that you can work safely with the gas tank. All heat, including that from the exhaust, needs to dissipate to prevent a fire. In cold climates, repairs to the gas tank using sealer will need to be carried out in a heated work area, as the sealer will not adhere to a cold gas tank.
Step 3. Free the Area of Gas
Refer to the sealer instructions to gauge if you are required to sand down the area to be treated. In any event, clean the area and ensure that it is free of gas and any accumulated dirt.
Step 4. Select Sealer Kits
Select gas tank sealer kits which include a two part sealer. If you are making use of one of these, mix the hardening agent and epoxy very well. Failure to do so is the main reason why sealers break in the gas tank and continue to leak after repair, particularly in colder climates (not all sealers require mixing, so read the instructions carefully).
Step 5. Apply Sealer
Ensure that you use enough sealer to effect the gas tank repair correctly. Apply the sealer over an area larger than just the break in the tank. Make sure that the sealer has been applied fairly thick and smooth it over.
Step 6. Let it Dry
Allow the sealer sufficient time to dry, particularly if you are making use of the two part product. If the gas tank repair was done in cold weather, allow the sealer to dry for twice as long as normal. The standard time is between 24 and 48 hours.
In the event of a serious break in the tank, the entire unit will need to be removed and cleaned out prior to any sealant being applied. With large areas of damage, a gas tank coating with sufficient sealant is very important.
- Remove the feed lines, float and sending unit.
- Remove the tank.
- Thoroughly remove rust by tumbling chain around within the tank.
- Flush the loose rust and accumulated debris.
- Pour a water soluble degreasing agent into the tank and clean out thoroughly.
- Ensure that the gas tank is completely dry before continuing. Use a blower to speed up the drying process, as drying may take up to 12 hours if the tank is simply left to stand.
- Make the necessary repairs using sealer. Ensure that the damaged area is completely covered with sealer.
- Allow sealer to bond and dry for 12 to 24 hours (twice as long in cold climates).
- Install the gas tank by reversing the process you used to remove it.
