fuel tank dropp
 

i went over a big bump with a full tank and the rear strap gave out, i dragged my tank on gravel for the next 30 feet and pulled over. lost all but 15 gallons from two punctures in the tank. i got home with some epoxy and silicone and a ratchet strap, now i have a slow leak, one drop every 5 min or so.

if i have to replace it:
i think the tank is 37gallons and it is plastic. how hard is it to find a salvaged replacement? will second generation tanks fit a first gen?
suggestions for aftermarket tanks? other things i should replace or service while involved in replacing my tank?

i would rather:
are there any reliable products out there that can seal the deal for a permanent fix? im thinking epoxy and some sort of cloth dacron or something. but what patches and types of epoxy would be diesel resistant and adhere well to the plastic tank?

any experience or stories patching plastic fuel tanks are appreciated, and any ideas on retrofits to old tank straps too


91.5 4x4 5speed standard cab flat bed dually

Shoot me a PM I have the tank and the straps you NEED.
I am in VT.

Any patch will leak.

A second gen tank will not fit.

Aftermarket tanks are really expensive.

anyone know what type of plastic my tank is made of, or how to find out?

I know of no fixes that will last.
The tank moves and flexes, and then the patch separates, leaving you leaking fuel far from home.

Installing a replacement, original tank is the way to go, or buy a transfer tank to put in the bed.

I have a 1st and 2ndgen tank sitting side by side out back. Not that different really... just the top of the 2ndgen tank sits taller, especially under the cab. With your flatbed, and sufficient ground clearance, it may be feasible to install.

If you can't find a 1stgen tank, I'd be looking at installing whatever I could find that looks like it would work and install easily. 73-87 GM saddle tanks mount on a a pair of L-brackets. Many other fullsize trucks fit a tank between the driveshaft and frame rail. There's Ramchargers, Suburbans, Excursions, Blazer/Jimmy, and various cab & chassis models with aft-axle tanks in the 25-50 gal range.

Just a guess, but a polyethylene of some kind. Seems to be very similar plastic to the blue or white jugs and barrels various chemicals and industrial cleaners are shipped in.

I have to agree with Oliver Foster that any repair will be temporary. I've tried plastic welding fuel tanks and they last for a while but with the flex, vibration and hot and cold they all start leaking.

Tanks are made from Polypropylene. It is UV stable.

Polyethylene isn't.

If it is just cracks fuel cell sealer would work. Large holes it wouldn't.

Aero Make tanks for our trucks, expensive though.

AeroTanks-we specialize in auxiliary and replacement fuel tanks.