Tuneup 1,452 #1 Posted May 24, 2016 Hi gurus, Nearing the end of the restoration and this 1980 C-125 tank under the seat has seen fit to start leaking and peeling the fresh paint beneath it. Maybe I tightened the base bolts too much - maybe the fuel in the tank sitting for several days finally found a path through. Anyone face this before? I placed it on the bench and both sides leak, one of them much more than the other. I teflon taped the bolts as a test to eliminate that path but it bleeds through the seam around the metal fitting. I know it's redneck of me but am thinking of placing a gasket around the bolts and living with it. Thoughts? I haven't priced a tank - don't know if they're even available. eBay would be a crap shoot. Many thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACman 7,655 #2 Posted May 24, 2016 Can you post some pics ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tuneup 1,452 #3 Posted May 24, 2016 i already cleaned and drained the tank and have it sitting in the hot sun to dry internally. I can show the damage...internet shows the tank available for only $200 - not! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 51,802 #4 Posted May 24, 2016 Ouch on the new paint... can it be epoxied somehow?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tuneup 1,452 #5 Posted May 24, 2016 I think I'll try a gasket first - a nice ring around the opening and teflon. Something always seems to be stopping me from putting the seat on it - have been riding it around side saddle. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
prondzy 3,889 #6 Posted May 24, 2016 (edited) Fill it with water and put it out on some saw horses with a pan underneath... you'll find your leak Edited May 24, 2016 by prondzy 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tuneup 1,452 #7 Posted May 24, 2016 The leak bleeds from around the base screw fittings. I don't think it can be repaired - just wondering if anyone had the same problem and what they did to repair it. A nice big rubber sheet will solve the problem Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 11,942 #8 Posted May 24, 2016 I've never repaired a plastic tank so I can't help you. Joes Outdoor Power has several for around $50 delivered. It sounds like you are leery of a used tank but I really don't think leaking is a common problem with them. Apparently yours was damaged and it caused the leak. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,523 #9 Posted May 24, 2016 Be sure to gasket at the tank and under the bolt head. Gasket will not work, gaskets will. Fuel will follow the bolt threads. Use pipe sealer on the bolt threads. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tuneup 1,452 #10 Posted May 24, 2016 Suitable advice from a Tankman, thank you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
refracman 167 #11 Posted May 24, 2016 The tank is not designed for the bolts to extend into the tank, the correct bolts used to fasten it are only 1/2 in long. Is it possible that the wrong bolts were used? I would suggest you obtain another tank. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,523 #12 Posted May 24, 2016 Thanks Tuneup. Been working on chemical tanks for 40+ years. FYI. Small holes or cracks in PE (polyethylene) can be repaired, weld or use a soldering gun and slowly melt the PE. Keep the weld tight after you remove the heat, cools and will set fast. Done. 2 minutes ago, refracman said: The tank is not designed for the bolts to extend into the tank, the correct bolts used to fasten it are only 1/2 in long. Is it possible that the wrong bolts were used? I would suggest you obtain another tank. Careful, bolt lengths! Fender mounting bolts, topside, will also damage the PE tank. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,523 #13 Posted May 24, 2016 I have put bolts in tanks from the inside. Flat washer welded underside of bolt head, gasket on the bolt flat on the washer. Fished into the tank, threads out of the tank. Done. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elcamino/wheelhorse 9,362 #14 Posted May 24, 2016 Tuneup , I have not had the problem that you were having , one tank that I had to replace had long black pieces of plastic in it. Messed up the entire fuel system. I hate those tanks and being under seat is a big pain in the A _ _ . I wish I could find a tank that I could mount behind the seat. I have had the same problem with fresh paint and fuel. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gregg'shorses 77 #15 Posted May 24, 2016 Get yourself a tube of Seal-all http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1390318 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tuneup 1,452 #16 Posted May 24, 2016 I appreciate all the help and sympathy! Ace Hardware? This tractor is probably the reason they are outselling the local Lowes these past few weeks. Kohler capacitors, spray paint, and plenty of hardware! After all, we have to have all those shiny fasteners! I did use the original two bolts for the tank, by the way. The wife just rolls her eyes when I mention the latest purchase. So, it's off to Ace where I'm known by my first name! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JPWH 6,361 #17 Posted May 25, 2016 I understand what you are saying. I frequent a hardware store in Morrow near my office. They have gone from saying can I help you to let me know if you can't find what your looking for. Lol 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
