Thread: Can a Diesel Tank be Welded?

many years ago the fuel tank on the truck i was driving got "speared", the mechanics in the transport yard filled it with something like devcon, a 2 part epoxy anyway. i thought it a bit bodgy at the time but it stayed there for a long time (years) and no signs of leaks from it.
the hole size was around the 50mm (2in)

Originally Posted by wrinklearthur

Hi Ean

No oxygen to breath either ? who is the lucky lacky, that is going to weld ?

Cheers Arthur

No oxygen inside, welded from the outside.

Cheers Ean

Just fill it with diesel then weld it, it's very hard to weld the oily mess, but no boom boom

I've welded a patch onto a large hole in a petrol tank, using oxy-acetylene, with the tank removed and filled with water. Used to be fairly common practice. Don't think I'd be trying to weld a fuel tank insitu.
Not familiar with devcon, but I've repaired holes in jerry cans with knead-it. Intended as a temporary repair on an outback trip, they are still holding petrol 3 years later.

Thanks everyone. I'm going to try Devcon before I go any further.
Can anyone tell me where I can buy it in Melb? preferably Eastern Subs

I droped my RRC tank out and sent it to the guys in this link.
Fuel tank repairer, Tullamarine.
They don't remove the tanks and also told me radiator repairers no longer are insured to repair tanks.
Some thing to do with big bangs

Dunno about diesel tanks... but for petrol ones the 'Gold Standard' is to steam it out... around 15 minutes minimum... at least long after the escaping "steam" can be lit with an oxy torch...

Seems the fuel gradually works its way deeper into the pressed seam, and slowly outgasses when heated /empty... then when the welding is nearly done.,... Ka-Boom!
Filling the tank with water can be dangerous in that it will tend to boil under the flame of the torch, negating much of its 'protective' influence, whereas steam is moving, shifting the vapours as they're generated, taking them away from the scene. A side advanage is the heating effect on the metal, making a smooother brazing.

- Advice from a Master Welder many years ago when he repaired our Statesman tank.

I'd at least try the epoxy solution.

Originally Posted by wardy1

Thanks everyone. I'm going to try Devcon before I go any further.
Can anyone tell me where I can buy it in Melb? preferably Eastern Subs

Anyone like blackwoods, CBC, most industrial hardware type places.

Cheers Ean