Kitchen Gray Tank Leak and Repair

[jcurtis934]

Plasti-mend makes note that the tank must be dry. When my galley tank failed years ago, I removed the tank from the trailer, cleaned it out, and let it dry out in the Florida sun. I could easily repair the seal around where the top is mated to the molded bottom and repair a crack on the bottom of the tank. After two days, I re-installed and also put plumbers strap in three places across the tank to limit tank expansion. I have had no further troubles. I can't even imagine doing this work while in place as you have done. I give you an A for persistence and courage.

[goodellj]

My tank has a sticker on it with the manufacturer and model: Ameri-Kart Corp of Casopolis, MI, model HT541. Specs for the tank are available on their website. OEM tanks are available from vendors.

Ray at LoveYourRV.com gave me some info on an alternative tank supplier. This alternative would definitely require redesigning the tank supports. https://www.icondirect.ca/categories...ks/Side-Drain/

G/flex epoxy will work on wet surfaces, and according to the directions can even be used under water! Another big plus for "in place" tank repairs! The outside of the crack and the crack itself can be dried, but there is no way to dry the inside of the tank. I definitely think the epoxy would adhere better and be stronger on a dry surface prepared according to the directions.

If I needed to remove the tank for repair, I would get a new tank and not even consider attempting a repair.

[Leftie Canuk]

You may also want to check this forum for comments and pictures from Bob Rohrman, who has experience with the need to beef up the tank supports. His pictures and advice seem to be practical and effective.

[travelinsparky]

Do you have the G/flex info used, and where id you purchase. Thanks. It looks like I will attempt the repair when it warms up.

[goodellj]

Here is the item description from Amazon. $27.15 for enough epoxy to repair dozens of tanks. "West System 655-8 G/flex Epoxy Adhesive, two 4.5 fl oz"

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Sorry for the late reply.

[travelinsparky]

Thanks I will Waite till it gets a little warmer highs still 48-34.

[goodellj]

My repair has held so far. We wintered in Texas and the camper got continuous use from the 1/19/2021 repair till now. We are home now and the Montana goes into storage.

According to Ray Burr at "Love You RV", he considers Plasti-Mend to be a 'dud' product. He also had his tank patches fail after repeated Plasti-Mend repairs. I would have been really discouraged if my tank repair failed every 2 months like his did. As it is, I 'only' did one repeat with Plasti-Mend before switching to G/flex.
https://www.loveyourrv.com/9-rving-p...ut-to-be-duds/
Hindsight is 20/20, but if I had researched all of his postings and videos I would have know that he switched to G/flex back in January 2020, and I would have done my October 2020 repair #2 with G/flex.

So, as it is, the tank is good and and has held up for 3 months of continuous use. I am hoping the repair lasts and will let you know if it doesn't. :-)