Gas Tank Leak On Home Generator

[jackandh2o]

We have a back up home generator that is leaking gas from the plastic tank.
It is coming from around where the bolt holds the tank in place.

Any suggestions on putty's or sealants that I could use and gasoline wouldn't affect.

Thanks

Ray

[SlickWillie]

JB Weld

[jackandh2o]

SlickWillie, is that a 2 part epoxy?
Do they make different versions of this product
or am I just looking for JB WELD.

Thanks
Ray

[SlickWillie]

quote:Originally posted by jackandh2o

SlickWillie, is that a 2 part epoxy?
Do they make different versions of this product
or am I just looking for JB WELD.

Thanks
Ray

Yes and yes. I would read up on the label. I think you'll want the original slow setting type though. They also make a fast set type. BTW, here is their web site.

[ols1932]

How about Mighty Putty? I've used it for a multitude of things. Haven't tried it on gasoline leaks though.

Orv

[Ozz]

Please order a new tank.
If the tank splits while under power, it may, scratch the may, WILL catch fire, and possibly explode.
If part of is defective, or brittle, the whole plastic tank is probably bad.
DO NOT patch it,
JMHO.
Ozz

[jackandh2o]

Ozz, understand your concern. Let me explain a little further. The gennie is about four years old but this is the first time it has ever run. Where it is leaking gas, it appears that it was damaged in shipment. I think the leakage is due to damage not old age, if that makes a difference.

Thanks

Ray

[Ozz]

I see, in that case I guess the tank would probably be in good condition, but the already damaged leak-point would trouble me. The reason I think any damage is a threat, I have a big generator out in the detached garage-shop I have, we are always in a brown-out here, end of the transmission line, older area with tons of trees... My generator out there, vibrates so much and gets so hot under load, I worry about it springing a leak. It's plastic tank sits above the engine, any epoxy fix would have to stand up to the vibration, heat, weight of the gas in the tank and the gasoline's trait of dissolving different compounds. All trying to make that fix fail.
I just don't want you to have a disaster there. You know Murphy's law: One of them, anyway; Anything that can fail; will.
Thanks for explaining, good luck with it.

[jackandh2o]

Think I will look for another gas tank for it.

SlickWillie, ols1932 and Ozz thanks for the input.

Ray

[SlickWillie]

quote:Originally posted by jackandh2o

Think I will look for another gas tank for it.

SlickWillie, ols1932 and Ozz thanks for the input.

Ray

If this is a stationary unit, and you cannot find a tank, you might consider a remote mounted tank of some type.

Glad to see OZZ had his thinking cap on there. A leaky tank would definitely be a hazard.

[Ozz]

Ray, let me know the brand and mod. # and I will search some of my sources for you.
I bought a new flywheel and a starter motor for mine, I wired in a key and starter solenoid, so Sue can start it if I'm not around.

[jackandh2o]

Ozz. thank you. I have some stuff to do this morning. I'll get that info when I get back home.

Ray

[SlickWillie]

I have used Jack's Small Engines many times for parts. Seem to be fair prices. Parts for many brands. I have a couple Snapper riders at the stick house. I completely rebuilt one of them with parts from there.

While on this subject, Small Engine Warehouse has great prices on engines. When I rebuilt that mower, I bought a 13 hp B & S engine from them for $425 including shipping. I couldn't touch that price anywhere else.