Hello Scotty and Fellow ICE Enthusiasts,
I have a 1997 Honda VT600CD Shadow Deluxe motorcycle with small holes in the fuel tank. The holes are located in the lower left rear area of the tank. The motorcycle had been sitting untouched for approximately six years. I drained a gallon or so of fuel from the tank and cleaned the corrosion on the inside using white vinegar and 1.25 inch coarse drywall screws. For the holes, I used J-B Weld high strength formula, applying several layers on the outside of the tank. This worked quite well, or so I thought.
After several months of riding, fuel began to leak from the repaired area. I don't understand why this happened since I did follow the epoxy instructions for mixing and cure time, and careful to prep and clean the area to be repaired. This particular formula of J-B Weld is also advertised to be "Fuel & Chemical Resistant."
I was thinking about trying the J-B Weld once again, possibly adding a few additional layers for added strength and durability. Is there something I should do other than sanding to properly prep the area for good adhesion? As an alternative, can I use solder to fill the holes without fear of explosion?
Any and all feedback is much appreciated.
Grounded Umbra Rider
The only proper repair is to get a replacement tank from a motorcycle salvage yard. Like this -
Thanks Doc,
Trying my best to find a reasonably priced, serviceable replacement.
Thanks for the link. I'll add it to my virtual tool box.
Umbra Rider
The only repair would be to get the holes welded (if it can be fixed) it may have sat too long and not corroded too much to be repairable or get a replacement tank. You don't want to take any chances riding with a potential fireball between your legs.
Even if it could be successfully welded, all the grinding, filler and re -painting would cost far more than just getting another, good condition tank.
Goodness gracious great balls of fire!
Point taken...seriously.
Thanks Toyota Girl & Doc
This particular formula of J-B Weld is also advertised to be "Fuel & Chemical Resistant."
Well it did resist the fuel for several months. Resistant probably refers to occasional and brief contact with fuel. But obviously this product degraded with 24/7 contact over several months.
Just as with clothing. Something could be water resistant but not waterproof.
Yes, I thought about this myself. I'll try once again though, stubborn old mule that I am. A decent replacement tank is quite costly. It's worth at least one more shot.
Thanks,
Umbra Rider
Well, while you are at it perhaps you could figure out a way to install an automatic sprinkler system.(or carry a small extinguisher with you)😉 Thanks for the update.
The problem is that once rust gets started, if you don't get ALL of the tank to bare metal. the rust will start up again and you will have a new leak - and you think, "OK, I'll just clean it down to bare metal", which wouldn't be a problem for the outside of the tank, but the inside? Damn near impossible. Here's a 2 minute example:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ilei_F0ZbM
Hello Glen_stet.
Discouraging but helpful video. I was simply hoping to get more than a few months on my repair attempt, especially with the difficulty in finding a suitable replacement tank.
I'll try one more time though. Hopefully by then I'll have found a new tank.
Eager to ride again, and soon!
Umbra Rider