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Registered
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: the beach
Posts: 5,149
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patching a leaky oil tank
I tried a search to no avail. My oil tank, a 1973 and later type, is leaking too much now to ignore. I think the leak is coming from the upper rear tab for bolting the tank to the body. Must be a crack where the tab attaches to the tank.
Should I try to get this fixed, or just buy a used tank? (a new tank is $900!) In other words, can the aluminum be effectively welded or patched in any other way?
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Charlie 1966 912 Polo Red 1950 VW Bug 1983 VW Westfalia; 1989 VW Syncro Tristar Doka |
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Registered
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 1,942
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I hade a leak where my drain plug flare meets the tank. I used a two part epoxy to both seal it up and strengthen the joint.
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'83 SC |
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A compotent welder should be able to fix this without a prolem. Just make sure to clean it well afterwards. I'm not sure about the '73 tanks, but the one in my car is steel, and I'm sure it could be brazed or welded. If yours is aluminum, there are always good aluminum welders out there, or I've seen some sources for things you might be able to do yourself here:
http://www.muggyweld.com/products.html
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'76 911 Carrera 3.0 |
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Registered
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Greater Metropolitan Nimrod, Oregun
Posts: 10,040
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my 73.5 tank is steel with a copper plating on the outer surface, then the paint.
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"A man with his priorities so far out of whack doesn't deserve such a fine automobile." - Ferris Bueller's Day Off |
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Registered
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Denver
Posts: 692
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They're definitely steel, and prone to rust around those tabs.
A lot of dirt accumulates around the inevitably oily upper area of the tank, becomes oily mud, accumulates moisture and ... you know the rest. Pull it out and see what you've got. Hopefully it can be patched -- even used tanks are expensive. Good luck Joe |
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