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Leaking gas tank : Repair/Replace
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,262
Likes: 70
From: san diego CA
Leaking gas tank : Repair/Replace
Seems like my passenger side gas tank has a small crack near the top (according to the shop that checked it out). You can smell the vapor when inside the car (not outside though), and it will leak fluid if filled up all the way. GM had an "extended service" type of deal where they replaced all affected cars' gas tanks, assuming the car was <100,000 miles or under 10 years old. Of course the last year c5s are now out of luck regardless of mileage since they are 11 years old.
Question is, what should be my best course of action to fix this?
1) Buy a new passenger tank and replace (I can get a new one for about $500 from a good source and have a shop install for me).
2) Attempt to repair. Anyone think it would be a bad idea to repair the crack with something like JB Weld? I've definitely used it to "patch" components that receive more stress. Would it be possible to do this and reach the crack without dropping the cradle?
3) Some other option I don't know of
Thanks for any input guys
Question is, what should be my best course of action to fix this?
1) Buy a new passenger tank and replace (I can get a new one for about $500 from a good source and have a shop install for me).
2) Attempt to repair. Anyone think it would be a bad idea to repair the crack with something like JB Weld? I've definitely used it to "patch" components that receive more stress. Would it be possible to do this and reach the crack without dropping the cradle?
3) Some other option I don't know of
Thanks for any input guys
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
Had one car with a gas tank leak and it was fixed. Never leaked again over the next 5 years I owned it.
Two considerations I used:
1. Can it be fixed by a professional and will it be safe to drive?
2. If '1' is yes, what is the cost difference between fixing and replacing?
Good luck on resolving your issue.
Two considerations I used:
1. Can it be fixed by a professional and will it be safe to drive?
2. If '1' is yes, what is the cost difference between fixing and replacing?
Good luck on resolving your issue.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
you can do a temp repair with black rtv, don't use jb weld too brittle. the plastic flexes. the right stuff or black rtv will work. clean with solvent first then let it dry overnight
replace when you can. the fuel vapors are dangerous to have floating around.
replace when you can. the fuel vapors are dangerous to have floating around.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 10,340
Likes: 664
From: Beverly Hills (Pine Ridge) Florida
Gasoline will attack most RTV sealers!
I have used gas to help remove silicone RTV "gaskets".
Plasticman
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
in a vapor situation like the OP has and it being temporary it should hold for some time.
i've tried this a few times on various 4 cycle contraptions over the years and found that if gas is touching it, the rtv breaks down very very quickly. if gas is not touching it and it's a vapor situation, it can last years
important part is to prevent the vapor until the OP can fix the issue with a new tank
wonder if vette nuts has any good deals on used tanks?
rtv it, don't fill the tank when you get gas, purchase new or good used tank and repair when you can
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Verdad Gallardo
Pro
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 692
Likes: 13
From: Lithia Springs Georgia
Mine (2004 Z06) had the left tank replaced under factory warranty, but about a month ago the right tank developed a leak at the infamous crossover bung. I bought a used tank from a 2007, new crossover pipe from Rockauto, and the in-tank lines from Cultrag ( I destroyed them trying to break the crossover loose).
All in all it cost me about $300 and a couple of days work doing it myself. The dealer quoted $2200, a reputable shop quoted $1800.
If you are able you can do it yourself and save a bunch of $$.
IMO, if one of your tanks is cracked, replace them both.
All in all it cost me about $300 and a couple of days work doing it myself. The dealer quoted $2200, a reputable shop quoted $1800.
If you are able you can do it yourself and save a bunch of $$.
IMO, if one of your tanks is cracked, replace them both.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
Pro
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 692
Likes: 13
From: Lithia Springs Georgia
