Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Bodger Fix
Fixing leaking metal gas tank. Fixing leaking metal gas tank.
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Bodger Fix What they don't show you in the repair manual - tales of duct tape, bailing wire and WD 40. Bodge, Bush Mechanics, farmers fix, patch, temporary repair, or whatever your definition, tell us YOUR best story of a bodge that got you home!
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By RogerM

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 17 Nov 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 3
Fixing leaking metal gas tank.
Fixed a hole in a metal gas tank with "builders bog" aka "wood in a can".
I was surprised it was still stopping the leak after a five more days. As sort of a test I left it to see how long it would last. Right now 27.600 km and still holding on as if applied yesterday.
__________________
Honda NXR 125
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 17 Nov 2012
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Mate..... It's made for wood. It will fail eventually. Petrol will eat through almost anything in time. Your repair will most likely go brittle and fall off.

The only way to fix a metal tank is to get it welded.


10/10 for a temp bodge though.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 17 Nov 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 3
It probably will come off, eventually. Gives me a good reason to look for a bigger tank (wife in mind here)
__________________
Honda NXR 125
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 18 Nov 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
The Heinrich tank which came with my '83 G/S had been repaired by its original owner 15 years previously with araldite, it was still on there and still holding petrol. I did have it welded when I found somebody prepared to do it and they filled the tank with argon before doing the job.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 8 Dec 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 3
Running exhaust gasses into the tank makes it safe before welding. Don't know how long but think 10-15 minutes will do the job.
__________________
Honda NXR 125
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 10 Dec 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Bribie Island Australia
Posts: 678
Sunlight soap will fix a small leak in any metal tank, just rub the soap over the crack and it will block up a leaker. We used this on fuel tankers for years as a way to stop leaks in an emergency.

As aside - welding tanks can be lethal to the novice. The only safe way to degas a tank/drum is to wash it out with hot soapy water then apply steam for about 30 minutes. Every few months I hear of someone either cutting or welding drums that have not contained flammable liquids getting blown up as the residues exceed their flashpoint. Aluminium tanks are worse as the aluminium seems to absorb petroleum products and will "sweat" vapour when heated.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 23 Dec 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Didcot
Posts: 54
Soap, chewing gum, Isopon, all have been tried - have seen Opal Fruits work really well, goodness knows what they do to your stomach. Worth packing some! Works-Citroens did this on a Dakar a few years ago with success...
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Fuel costing 3X more in Bolivia for foreign registered plates 2foilheads South America 44 9 Dec 2017 06:19
Carretera Austral - Futaleufu going South- Gas Stations ReeceNZ South America 5 14 Jan 2014 12:07
Gas stove Gas Cannisters - save money Tim Wood Camping Equipment and all Clothing 1 25 Oct 2012 17:21
For Sale - Long range Poly Fuel Tank 55Lt (Diesel or petrol) Pumbaa Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 1 5 Jun 2012 18:42
plastic gas tank Pboko2388 Yamaha Tech 2 15 Dec 2011 03:11

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:21.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top