Gas Tank Leak, need fixed asap!

[onecrazyfoo4u]

So I have a 95 240sx se, and I'm pretty sure it's a plastic gas tank for some reason. Anyways, smelled gas way bad in the garage yesterday, and sure enough there's little puddle of gas from a slow drip after filling up at the pump. Got under the car, and you can see probably a 1" long crack where the seam touches the strap that holds the tank up.

I drained out about half a tank by just running the pump into a gas tank....but it's all full. I guess I need to drive the rest out of it. Is there anything out there made to patch a plastic tank crack? Will JB weld work, or would some epoxy or sealant be better? How hard is it to drop the tank to fix it and what all do you have to do to drop it? Any help is great, thanks.

[zenki-bry]

If it is in fact a plastic tank, you could use a very liberal amount of epoxy. My friend had a similar problem on a lawnmower, and after draining the tank, wiping off the area, and then putting about a tube of epoxy on it, we were able to patch up a 3 inch long crack and it held up for about 3 months before he ordered a new tank. I don't know for sure how long it will last, and you may look into a new tank soon, but epoxy should be a quick fix for a decent amount of time.

[Crichton]

Me i wouldnt advise on this fix. I would replace because if it is an "age" crack. Their is going to be more.

[srpowered240sx]

if its in a place that doesnt get rubbed on, or is a stress point to begin with, it would be fine to use a "gas tank sealer", there is many out there at parts stores and hardware stores. if its a place prone to stress already, just replace it, its not that hard of a process.

[onecrazyfoo4u]

Yeah, it's my dd though, and I can't put over 1/4 tank in it right now without leaking. It's a very slow leak, less than an inch long, pretty much evaporates befor it hits the ground.

Is there any special epoxy to use that withstands gasoline the best? I'm guessing clean the area with something before epoxying, so that there's less gas on it? Thanks.

[onecrazyfoo4u]

I heard liquid steel works pretty good with plastic, so I'm going to try that. Anybody think that would be a problem, or is there anything better out there?

[onecrazyfoo4u]

So I tried patching it with the quick steel, alot like JB weld....let it sit for a day and a half, then put 1/4 tank in and it's leaking again, just not as bad as before. Is there something else I can use to patch this that would hold better? I need something to last for awhile so I can drive to work at least.

Is there a how to on removing your gas tank? I looked, and it's like 2 seperate tanks, and a little connector runs over the driveshaft. So do you have to remove the driveshaft to pull the tank? Help guys, I'm desperate here!

[Kwon88]

I had the same problem. And your best bet is to get another tank that isn't cracked. I had to get a brand new one which costed me but couldn't find any in a junkyards and nobody can ship it used. So its up to you.

[onecrazyfoo4u]

I finally got the leak stopped....just put on about 4-5 coats of JB weld and it's held great since then! JB weld works great on plastic, just have to rough it up and apply it slowly. Thanks for the help everyone.
Modified by onecrazyfoo4u at 9:34 AM 11/14/2008

[Kwon88]

Unfortunately Im getting somebody to do it for me. But when they helped me the first time they had to remove the exhaust in order to get the tank. But other than that I believe its just 2 straps to remove the tank. I tried the epoxy resin to try and fix it but it didn't work at all either.