True. This particular tank cracked right above the angled mounting bracket that was welded to the side of the tank. It bolts up under the frame and just hangs there. 20 gallons is a lot of weight pulling on those mounts. I added some gussets below the angle to try and help spread the stress, but I’m not sure that it won’t happen again. The owner had put rubber between the frame and mount, but I’m thinking any slight frame flex may have contributed to it cracking.
Won't work with new gas the additives and alcohol eat the FG. Let's get the definition right here. This is not a "fuel cell" it's a gas tank. It's easy to fix. Just purge the tank with the same inert gas you will be using to weld the aluminum. Like others have pointed out remove the oxygen. PS - a fuel cell is a flexible bladder generally contained within a metal or plastic housing.
Years back we would solder tanks with a soldering IRON , either electric or heated on a burner , nothing particularly unsafe about it .
Probably so! I would try anyway. Especially if the leak is in a seam. Try J.B! Little money wasted. And will PROBABLY out last the poster. Ben
I think , & I am not a engineer , Its how the tank is made & where its welded , My aluminum 7 gal tank was made using a bulk to form & roll all edges 1/4 - 1/2 like stamped , seams where welded above not @ 90s , I think also not enough bracing / gussets do to vibration cause the cracks @ weld steel & aluminum.
The problem with gas leaks is that gas is flammable and if the gas happens to be ignited the wasted money can be the value of the entire car, possibly including the garage you just parked in and the house right next to it. A proper repair isn't expensive.
Does any one Else think what could happen when adding Petro into any tank the fumes! All it takes is small static spark
Rather than mounting aluminum fuel tanks off the side-mounted tabs, couldn't they/ shouldn't they maybe be mounted using straps, not unlike how car tanks were/are typically mounted? My old plastic fuel cell was mounted using straps top and bottom. Just because a tank comes with mounting tabs doesn't mean it's the best method for installation.
I didn’t build the vehicle that this tank came off of, (64 Suburban) but yes, straps would have been a much better option.
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