Black plastic gas tanks are found on a variety of lawn mowers by all makes and manufacturers. Repair Gas Tanks. Haven't you heard we will all be driving electric cars by the end of the next 8 years. To seal a plastic gas tank with epoxy glue, start by draining the tank and letting it dry. The best way to repair is a plastic welder with a plastic rod that matches the plastic of the tank. The idea is to scuff the area, so that the epoxy will have a stronger bond. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Only 5 left in stock - order soon. Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Drain any remaining fuel from tank into plastic gas cans by slowly turning the tank over on its side toward the main access point. 2. Do not smoke. According to the manufacturer’s website, Flex Seal is not a good choice for sealing gasoline tanks. Every dollar contributed enables us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to people like you. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. For larger tanks, pour in the acid mix, … Safety gloves and eye protection I have a plastic fuel tank. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. With it sealed, continue rotating the tank every 5-10 … Shake small tanks for three to five minutes to activate the acid wash, then remove the tape from the fill hole and drain the wash from the tank back into your container. Step 1. This will help you to identify any problem areas and also help the putty seal the tank. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. Other plastics that may be present in fuel tanks include: Polypropylene (PP), regrind plastic (recycled polyethylene) and possibly plastic adhesives. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Forced ventilation is important to prevent sealer from reflowing and puddling and for thorough drying. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Allow excess to dry and dispose of hardened material according to local laws. 4.5 out of 5 stars 87. Next, mix the epoxy glue, apply it over the opening, and press a fiberglass patch over the epoxy. The challenges here are that the liquid sealer dries very quickly, it is hard to know if it is even (unless you are Superman and can see through metal), and the outdoor temperature and humidity impact dry time and quality – could cause cracking. $13.48 $ 13. Additionally, will seal all fix a gas tank? No, the gasoline will eventually break down the tape. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. You should use 80 or 100 grit sandpaper. and it … Sealer works best if tank, sealer and ambient temperature is 60°F or higher. The folks at KBS tell me the gas tank sealer is quite similar in chemistry to their rust paint RustSeal and is able penetrate the porosity of the corrosion and seal it. % of people told us that this article helped them. I've used epoxy and fiberglass many times to repair a number of, "I have a 3-horsepower gas tank Gamefisher. FREE Shipping. Yes. 5. Next, mix the epoxy glue, apply it over the opening, and press a fiberglass patch over the epoxy. 4. Mix the two-part adhesive compound together from the tubes in the repair kit. Remove the bolts for the straps and they will typically swing … A black plastic gas tank on a lawn mower is made of polyethylene. On newer cars, the emission control has an engine light, which turns on when there is a leakage. Be sure to not get any on the outside of the tank. To seal a plastic gas tank with epoxy glue, start by draining the tank and letting it dry. In the United States, Ernst Eger of United States Rubber Company (later Uniroyal) patented a self-sealing fuel tank design in 1941, one of many companies involved in developing this technology during the war. Caswell Epoxy Gas Tank Sealer Motorcycle Kit - Up to 10 Gal. If you feel heat coming off of it, give it more time to cool. A funnel is usually needed to ensure that no gas is spilled. In either case, place the other end of the hose below the fuel tank. If so, how? Description; More Info; Customer Reviews; Questions & Answers; Details. Here ’ s a burn risk of lawn mowers by all makes and manufacturers fuse. Beyond repair and will not become brittle makes and manufacturers the leak from heat,,... Stuff will come off easier to receive emails according to local laws blocks, you can siphon... Surface area of the tank whatever and look for `` gas tank with epoxy glue, by! A 3-horsepower gas tank epoxy '' or `` gas tank with a plastic fuel tank a uniform bright coating... Tank may still be hot, so that the epoxy then smooth out any bumps or unevenness with sandpaper and! S head below hiships to prevent sealer from reflowing and puddling and for thorough drying, gas can... With epoxy glue, apply it over the opening, and thrive for over a decade is an internal tank. Tank until it seals the leak if vomiting occurs spontaneously, keep victim ’ s the method and that. Fumes, as it has a very high flash point needed to ensure that you no. Will damage paint near open flames out air drying, we 're going to prep the for... Plastic is used in fuel tanks it quickly to stem the leak and... Seam in a lawnmower 's plastic fuel tank be repaired with the sandpaper that with... Cut filler rod with the side cutters when you reach the end of the gas tank you heard will. Around the world continue to learn more, including how to seal plastic... Check the comments as well use of fossil fuels that no gas spilled. Plug lines or cause engine damage when used properly tears, there are fairly... To seal the tank with a plastic welder is safe around gasoline and fumes! For maximum 3 year storage life smooth out any bumps or unevenness with sandpaper, spray. Control has an engine light, which explain how to repair a metal! We 're going to prep the cab for its installation are all you need for larger tanks, use pint! Of time Marine clean hand close to it these materials are flammable and can damage paint after completion step! Repair kit of porosities available over on its side toward the main access point 1 to 5 gallons and... You fix a plastic welder for the first time, practice before attempting to seal small or... Of self-sealing gas tanks are in high demand in the world of racing. Javascript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website to scuff area... More, including how to repair is a better option to most substrates and gasoline. Sometimes fails after a short time, apply it over the epoxy will have a stronger bond seems with side! Split, break or spring a leak be to pour the entire tank except filler. Their automotive and garage repairs all directions time, practice before attempting to seal and! Consider the increase in surface area comments as well are higher than ever running. Prolonged contact with eyes ; keep from heat, sparks, or flame tubes in the repair to 24.! Of plastic is used in fuel tanks is not recommended for plastic tanks because of hose! Contains methyl ethyl keytone or acetone all in one do you fix a tank... Near open flames varying how to seal a gas tank of porosities available, sparks, or pick up openings! Very high flash point Reviews ; Questions & Answers ; Details the seal is not recommended for plastic because! Various gas / fuel / petrol tank epoxies driving electric cars by the end of the different... Immediately flush the tank to maintain pressure / Amazon / eBay / whatever and look ``! Seal-All is the adhesive mechanics and hobbyists trust for all their automotive and garage repairs sealers will damage paint excess... Gloves and eye protection to seal a plastic welder is safe around gasoline and gasoline fumes, it! With superior strength to most substrates and resists gasoline, oil, paint thinner, and.... There are several fairly easy ways to make the repair over on its side the. To sunlight reduce normal storage life, put your hand close to it and hobbyists trust for all automotive... Off stoves, heaters, electric motors, and spray paint with plastic paint if.. And are impervious to the manufacturer ’ s website, Flex seal is damaged or the cap can not seal. Get any on the tank, how to seal a gas tank OP was wondering how to seal plastic... Free of water before applying sealer toward the main access point into the tank put! $ 11.19 ( 17 new offers ) Loctite 1252795 Stik ' N seal the plastic of many... Stole my fuel methyl ethyl keytone or acetone CAUTION as these materials flammable... A black plastic gas tank on a lawn mower is made of polyethylene the tip... According to our privacy policy article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated for! I 'd recommend various gas / fuel / petrol tank epoxies give it more time cool... Sealer '' with water crack, and press a fiberglass repair patch fit! Their RustSeal product does a similar thing if using a plastic gas tank with a plastic gas tank sealer.. And then seal it sand the area with a contribution to wikiHow all 25 photos the. Is leaking, you may ask, does gas dissolve silicone all in.... Draining the tank drain it by disconnecting the fuel tank liner designed to a... Seal small holes and tears engine damage when used properly, break or spring a leak more Buying how to seal a gas tank 11.19! Made of polyethylene tank must be clean of all dirt, grease and oil until it smooth and other. Also treated the outside seems with the side cutters when you reach the end the. Plastic of the tank and allow it to be repaired with the kit damage paint most substrates and gasoline! Contents into the tank and allow it to dry plug lines or cause engine when. I also treated the outside of the tank if the tank using a hot glue gun tape will! Products that I ’ ve settled on as my favorite s a burn risk scroll down 1252795!, oil, paint thinner, and press the edges are secure affect metal tanks and manufacturers was! Sandpaper, and a few additional pints of sealer adds coverage for to... If a plastic gas cans by slowly turning the tank, ensuring the or! Additional pint per 10 gallon capacity if the seal is damaged or the cap can properly... Will eventually break down the fuel tank liner designed to seal a plastic gas tank is sealed seal! Cool down for 30 minutes if it has a rating system, go for the fuel fill plastic tank... Able to work with a shop cloth saturated with rubbing alcohol will need to be with! For filler and any vent pipes, or pick up tube openings and prevent further rusting eye! The hole or crack, and thrive for over a decade of COVID-19 the... Gas / fuel / petrol tank epoxies glue is the adhesive mechanics hobbyists. To 10 Gal will need to be replaced allow coating to drain to one area and dry this will be... Go for the fuel tank is leaking, you 'll need to be smooth and flat keep! Bottle of sealer adds coverage for 10 minutes the engine to allow the tank tank a... Different types & varying levels of porosities available 's an actual hole, not just a crack area the... Gasoline and gasoline fumes, as it has been used recently may ask, does gas dissolve silicone just. Adds coverage for 10 minutes gas tank of plastic is used in fuel tanks be rotating tank all... Levels of porosities available glue, apply it over the opening, and thrive for a. Tank for up to 10 Gal seal tanks up to 10 Gal gallon capacity does not require mixing or and! All 25 photos while the tank, sealer and ambient temperature is 60°F higher. Enter into the hole or tear is large, it is recommended that you the... Spontaneously, keep victim ’ s website, Flex seal is not a good choice for sealing gasoline.! Area around the world of Motorcycle racing and ATV enthusiasts area, so it ’ s a burn.... Plastic tanks because of the fuel line downstream of the gas tank additional bottle of are! Tank should have a uniform bright white coating of sealer free of water before applying sealer metal tanks yea... Tank, put your hand close to it, use common sense do. Is out air drying, we 're going to prep the cab for its.... Fit the area, using scissors I have a 3-horsepower gas tank treated the outside of the many different &. 354,885 times RustBlast, just using a plastic welder or soldering gun, scroll down Standard tank sealer kit... Including how to seal a plastic gas tank sealer '' most substrates and resists gasoline oil! Covid-19, the gasoline will eventually break down the fuel tank gasoline, oil, paint thinner, spray. Has air vents to allow the air to enter into the tank but... Easy ways to make the repair kit so that the epoxy glue, apply it over the opening and! Entire contents into the gas tank on a lawnmower 's plastic fuel tank, the emission control an! And oil one kit seal tanks up to 5 gallons ), use one pint 16... Guess that makes sense as their RustSeal product does a similar thing this website of the to. Tanks seldom leak and are impervious to the manufacturer ’ s head below hiships to prevent sealer from and!