Gas Tank Repair Help

[tzthompson 2]

I am working on my 753 and would like to repair the places on the side where the hood bolts attach to the gas tank.  The tapped portions are gone. Any ideas would be appreciated!  Thanks

[rmaynard 16,343]

My 701 tank was repaired with Helicoils.

[tzthompson 2]

If the 701 tank is the same as a 702 tank, I can see where the heli coil would work.  The 753 tank is a two piece type and the material where the hood bolt used to go is broken out.  The PO had bolted a piece of metal strap to the side of the tank and tapped a hole to receive the hood bolt.  Although it worked, I want to do away with the strap.

[rmaynard 16,343]

I'm not sure how different they are in the hood mounting area, but here is a picture of mine with a helicoil installed.

 

 

 

[tzthompson 2]

Would it be possible to fill the void on my tank with something like JB Weld and then drill the JB Weld and install a heli coil?

[rydogg 186]

I would try to JB weld in a nut that matches the hood thumb screw or you could tig weld in a new piece of aluminum and drill and tap threads.

[64s 83]

I have the same issue with all of my tanks.  I am planning on trying a product called Alumiweld - it's basically an aluminum rod that is melted with an Oxy/Act torch or even a propane or mapp gas torch.  I did try the product on a sculpture I started, and when the pieces are cleaned properly, I couldn't pry them apart.  However, I also tried it without a good cleaning and was able to break the pieces apart by hand.  You are supposed to be able to drill and tap the material without having to add a helicoil or nut.  I'm pretty sure it will work but won't get to it anytime soon. 

 

Anyone else ever use Alumiweld?   George

[KATO 115]

Haven't tried Alumiweld, but i have done many different types of aluminum boss repairs etc

with tig welding and 5356 tig rod. The repair will be stronger than the tank or engine block or whatever.

Edited March 9, 2013 by KATO

[.5racer 14]

several ideas come to mind

 

 1. heli-coil

 2. thread insert (id at what you need and od at what ya want)

 3. allthread at the size you can tap for a good thread with lock-tight

        then use org part for line up and drill and tap .

 4 stud main part and thru hole acc part and make it a bolt on,( depends on meat of part)

 5 aluma -putty and JB-weld can ( as THEY say ) be installed ,then drilled and taped ,( do they think the vibration is a factor ) NOT!!!

 

 If these dont help let me know and I'll see if we can work something out !!!!!!!!

[tbbahner 28]

I agree with the others on JB standing up to the vibration holding nuts and bolts.
But, I have used "Water Weld" another JB Weld product to fix cracks/holes in two gas tanks successfully. One plastic and one metal. Holding up good so far.

[buckrancher 2,694]

welded a new piece of alum. in

 

Edited March 9, 2013 by buckrancher

[tzthompson 2]

Well, I went with rydogg's suggestion since I don't have a tig welder.  I epoxied two flat washers to the bottom of the nut so the hood bolt wouldn't bottom out against the gas tank.  Then as you can see I used JB Weld to encase the nut and washers in the tank.  Waiting now for it to cure so I can do some sanding.  I guess time will tell if it will hold.  Thanks!

[welderman85 53]

should work good nice repar