Timebinder12

I've looked through other forums but haven't really found what I was looking for. This morning I saw a small puddle of gas in my garage right in the center of my gas tank. I'm not sure what exactly is leaking but I have some pictures attached. I only see gas at the bottom of the tank and I don't see any other wet areas. I checked the filler tubes and everywhere around the tank but nothing. The first one is upside down for some reason.. the second one is sideways. I dont know how it happened, sorry! Any ideas?

Radi

If the fill tube and fuel pump areas are dry, probably time for a new tank. I've tried patching them in the past and it never lasts long.

Timebinder12

Hmm, how would you patch a tank? I really just need to use it for a few more weeks until I can get time off to fix it. Are there "kits" you buy?

rmoore1031

Go to a parts store and get a JB weld kit. It'll work for awhile. Then start looking for a new tank. There's a company that makes a 30 gallon tank for XJs.

cruiser54

100% sure it isn't leaking from the sending unit/fuel pump area?

Ever tried the bar of soap trick?

Timebinder12

Im assuming not since the area was dry. I can't say I'm familiar with the bar of soap trick

Pelican

You can do a patch with two-part liquid epoxy and fiberglass cloth that will be permanent for most practical purposes. I keep this stuff for marine purposes but it used to be available in the Home Depot paint dept. The epoxy isn't particularly cheap so you might try something else for a patch that's only for a couple of weeks.

The tank on my '85 developed a bunch of holes on the bottom years ago and I patched until I could get around to ordering a tank. I ultimately got the tank but never got around to installing it. (Still have it if anyone in the general Houston area needs a 20 gal tank for a carbureted XJ.)

peep

What's the bar of soap trick? Is it really a trick, is this a trick, or is it a trick question?
A good lye based soap, Irish Spring, or would Dove be best in application? Can I use my brother in laws soap bar and then slip it back in his travel kit?
All jokes aside,what is the application??

peep

OK, so google is our friend.
Looks like rubbing a leaky metal tank with a bar of soap can seal weepage and or small holes. Worth giving a try till a replacement tank can be acquired.

Programbo

I sell this stuff where I work. Never used it myself but a bunch of the repair shops come back and buy it repeatedly so it must be alright.

http://www.permatex.com/products/pro...air-kit-detail

cruiser54

Clean the whole aread around the crack of all rust and dirt. Use the soap trick to stop the leak/seep. Apply "magic stuff" over it to seal the leak.

Radi

Does it clean your fuel injectors too?

cruiser54

Yes. Gives them a strong case of the "runs".