Help RE : Fuel Tank

[johnmidi]

Hello, I recently purchase a 1988 , 1.8 Bedford Midi, pictures on this forum.

The fuel tank is leaking petrol so I am unable to use it and i am having trouble sourcing a new tank for my Van. The leak is slow and seems to be coming from the top of the tank where it is rusted. 

In this sort of situation, what have other owners of retro /classic Vans done?

I have been advised that it is not worth trying to patch the rust hole via welding. Is that true?

Thank you for your help. 

[comfortablynumb]

There's a sealant available from someone like Frosts (por15??) which forms a fueltight seal, virtually a tank within a tank.
I've no idea if its any good, or how much it costs, but might be worth a look?
HTH

[slater]

Easy enough to weld a tank. Done loads. You just have to be careful that A. it's not got fuel vapour left in it and B. Your welding isn't porous..

The chemical tank sealants might be an easier way of doing it in your particular situation but I've never used one so can't really comment on them.

[Midas]

I've used the Frosts tank seal with good results, you do have to follow the instructions to the letter though and I'd recommend extending the drying period for as long as you can, like a couple of weeks.

[Deleted]

Have ring round your local automotive radiator repair companies - some of them will offer a professional fuel tank repair service and if you remove the tank and take in it to them they will pressure test, repair the affected area with a steel plate repair - paint the tank - has part of this service they have to clean it out so you get all the curse word cleaned out at the same time and you end with a fully refurbished / reconditioned fuel tank - the cost is very reasonable too and is surely the way to go if you are looking for a one stop lasting repair.

I would not recommend 'welding' a fuel tank - you need to get it vapour free which is very difficult unless you have access to a professional steam cleaner - the radiator companies don't weld their repairs - they 'tin' the affected area and solder their repairs and for what it takes to do this properly yourself it is just not worth it along the associated risks that are attached to it - the fuel tank sealants do work on very small repairs but you need to get the inside of the tank very clean - for the sake of a £100 - £150 professional repair I would just pay the money and get it done

[gtviva]

I might be able to get a new genuine tank, not cheap though about £200

[olig]

Weld it. Easy to take off and drain, doesnt matter how it looks as long as it doesn't leak

[peanutsc]

I don't know the layout of the tank, mountings and fuel system on this, but if you have access to a decent scrappy it might be possible to retro fit a plastic tank from a later van. Kinds future proofs it a bit.