GTO Oil Tank...What Would You Do?

[moonpup]

One of the nos oil tanks I recently acquired has what I think is a factory defect. I say that because I can find no other damage or marks that would indicate something heavy either falling on, sitting on or striking it.

On the filler neck side, there is a depressed area and a 3" hairline crack that pretty much follows the seam located on that same side.

Besides just slapping some epoxy on it, are there other options I'm missing?

Here's 2 pics, the first... Au naturel and the second with the crack highlighted.

[Colin]

I have to say it does not look like factory fault, more like something heavy has been on it, maybe some fat ass sat on it 
However I see your predicament easy to repair but very visible, plastic welding ?? however that too would be visible though maybe not as bad as a big spread of epoxy glue.
You could try putting a sealer in the inside, some sort of clear resin , but slip a little super glue in the crack first to hold it in shape.

[moonpup]

Ahhhhhh... I never thought of sealing the inside.    That's not a bad idea Colin, I'll have to start checking out the options on products that will leave the tank translucent enough to still see the oil level.

As far as having the repair visible on the outside of the tank, that area is pretty much hidden by the side cover and the muffler.

[Mopar392]

Now you've got it DM.

DL

[slawsonb]

Wow! Good idea Colin. I love this site...awesome...
bert

[ziggy stardust]

I've used this with success, and it's translucent.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Seal-All-Contact-Adhesive-Sealant-2-oz-Tube-/320387818798?hash=item4a989a252e&item=320387818798&pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SEAL-ALL-FUEL-AND-OIL-RESISTANT-CONTACT-ADHESIVE-AND-SEALANT-QUICK-DRYING-/281338203827?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4181104eb3

See how we get ripped off in the U.K.

Z

[BRT-GTR]

Mike,
         Do we know what type of plastic was used for these tanks, likely to be polyethylene or polypropylene, notoriously difficult to glue. These days there would be a recycling symbol somewhere on the item but I guess maybe not when the tanks were made.   Plastic welding would be the best solution, Google it for all sorts of information. Maybe try a good auto body shop to see if they have a plastic welding specialist. I will tackle most jobs myself but that is one I'd farm out, knowing how rare those tanks are.
  Brian.

[moonpup]

I've previously done quite a bit of searching & researching on the net for using either sealants or plastic welding on the outside of the tank. Both of these options can result in a rather messy appearance in not done right. That's why I am intrigued with Colin's idea of coating the inside vs. the outside.

Caswell has a "clear" epoxy gas tank sealer that seems to get better reviews than Por-15 & Red Kote but I haven't been able to find any info on results that would relate to my intended use. One video I watched last night was encouraging but it still left me unsure as to how clear the end result would be. On one hand, the inside of the finished white tank looked pretty clear, yet the left over product in the mixing bucket was quite yellowed or amber colored. Pretty sure that was due to the thickness of it but still.......?  Anyone here ever used Caswells and what are your thoughts?

Here's the video.  

[ziggy stardust]

If the yellow coating showed through then you could always paint the tank white or off white.

Z

[reed]

I got the plastic welding kit from Harbor freight and its on sale for 49.00 right now.
Its 800 watt and you can adjust the temperature i have done a oil tank on one of
My Suzuki TC TRAIL CAT 120.
Thanks.
Steve. 

[reed]

I forgot to mention i have used a industrial glue gun on oil tanks in the past.
Thanks.
Steve.

[BRT-GTR]

   Mike,
           I stand to be corrected with some of the more recent lining products, but I wouldn't contemplate lining a plastic tank with epoxy, it's really meant for metal tanks. It would probably work for a while but I'm sure the crack would soon open up again, even the metal GTR tanks frequently crack round their mounting plate, the one that supposed to strengthen the tank and spread the stress.
   It would be worth trying the sealant suggested by Z, at least it's flexible and if it doesn't adhere well it should be removable, maybe test a bit.. What I do if I'm not sure of a plastic glue is to put a small spot of glue on the item, let it fully dry, then try to scrape it off with my finger nail. If it comes off clean then no go but if it has left a mark on the plastic then it should bond..
   I still think plastic welding is the best option.    
Brian.  

[coxy]

what about kreem I think this comes out white ish

[moonpup]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions, but unless I stumble on a sure fire can't miss solution, I think I'll just leave it as is.

This is an extra tank that I don't need. I just wanted to see if there was a way I could "fix" it without buggering it up too much. If I can't do that, I'll just let it go "on the cheap" to someone who maybe isn't quite as picky as I tend to be and let them have their way with it! 

[grundlegrabber]

I've used the Caswell sealer on metal fuel tanks. Best product on the market by far. They claim it can be used in certain types of plastic tanks but have not seen anyone do that yet. The sealer is clear, with maybe just a slight yellowish tinge. Personally, I think I'd use a plastic welder.