Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Leaking gas tanks
| [GMCnet] Leaking gas tanks [message #132534] |
Tue, 28 June 2011 21:14  |
Gerald Wheeler
Messages: 152
Registered: February 2004
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Working on my deceased friend's 77 Birchaven; finally finished his projects
and attempted to start the engine; wouldn't start. Would start when
pouring gas into the carb. Poured 5 gallons into the tanks; smelled gas;
saw several small leaks on the bottom of the forward tank. Caught about 2
gallons of gas in a bucket before it stopped dripping. Saw a small drop on
the rear tank; rubbed it with a rag and it started pouring out; captured
the other 3 gallons. Now have to pull both tanks.
Question: Can anyone tell me if they have repaired their tanks and if so,
how and what products or services used??
Any other ideas??
Coach is in Winston Salem, NC. Thanks for suggestions.
JR Wheeler NC/OR
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| Re: [GMCnet] Leaking gas tanks [message #132545 is a reply to message #132534] |
Tue, 28 June 2011 22:05  |
GeorgeRud
Messages: 1380
Registered: February 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
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I imagine that they can be repaired, but I'd leave that to a radiator shop that does this sort of work. Gas fumes seem to stick around forever, and it can be a very unpleasant suprise when you try to weld on them.
You really want to boil them out and have them sealed properly, especially as the ethanol that's being added to today's fuels dissolves out all the old varnishes and gunk that has accumulated.
Also, a great time to replace the fuel lines with some new ones that "may" hold up to the ethanol fuels that are available these days.
George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Leaking gas tanks [message #132554 is a reply to message #132534] |
Wed, 29 June 2011 00:36 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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I have friend that welds gas tanks all the time. Most of his jobs are old motorcycle tanks but occasionally he does a car or truck tanks. I do not know the process he uses to keep them from blowing up in his face. He also cleans the inside and seal them with some red stuff. I forgot the brand. My point is they can be repaired.
You might also contact Blaine Merrell. I know he recently cleaned and sealed one as I saw it sitting in his shop just before the Patterson rally. He was also looking at making some new tanks out of stainless. I do not know where that project stands.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Leaking gas tanks [message #132584 is a reply to message #132545] |
Wed, 29 June 2011 08:42 |
shawnee
Messages: 422
Registered: February 2004
Location: NC
Karma: 0
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| GeorgeRud wrote on Tue, 28 June 2011 23:05 |
I imagine that they can be repaired, but I'd leave that to a radiator shop that does this sort of work. Gas fumes seem to stick around forever, and it can be a very unpleasant suprise when you try to weld on them.
You really want to boil them out and have them sealed properly, especially as the ethanol that's being added to today's fuels dissolves out all the old varnishes and gunk that has accumulated.
Also, a great time to replace the fuel lines with some new ones that "may" hold up to the ethanol fuels that are available these days.
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I have just replaced all the fuel lines with the R7 lines so we will just wait for a while and see if they work. I also bypassed the solenoid to switch tanks and now have two Carter electric fuel pumps, one for each tank. So far so good.
Gene Dotson
74 Canyonlands
www.bdub.net/Motorhome_Enhancements New Windows and Aluminum Radiators
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| Re: [GMCnet] Leaking gas tanks [message #132615 is a reply to message #132534] |
Wed, 29 June 2011 11:46 |
George Beckman
Messages: 1085
Registered: October 2008
Location: Colfax, CA
Karma: 11
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Jerry,
I had a leak and we used a gray roll of dough like material. My leak was on top... A baffle rivet had pulled out. There is a catylist in the center. You kneed it and shove it into the hole. I would clean and rough up the surface. It hardens in just a few minutes. I looked at mine and after a year it was hard as a bullet and not leaking at all. NAPA had it on their racks. It is for gas tanks... Can't remember the name.
'74 Eleganza, SE, Howell + EBL
Best Wishes,
George
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| Re: [GMCnet] Leaking gas tanks [message #132671 is a reply to message #132664] |
Wed, 29 June 2011 20:04 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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| Robert Mueller wrote on Wed, 29 June 2011 17:29 |
I appreciate the fact that a number of people have reported success with
epoxy type repairs to gas tanks, ...
...I reckon the only way to repair a tank would be by welding or brazing up the
holes and I would only do that if they were pin holes and a limited number.
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If a tank is far enough gone that it is rusting through, I do not think any type of "spot repair" is going to hold long term. That leaves some kind of coating (I understand there are some good ones) or tank replacement. If it was a coach that I was planning on keeping long term, replacement would be a "no brainer."
Coating is a "good enough" repair that I would feel OK using, and selling, a coach with that type of repair. (in other words, on 2 of 3 coaches I would use the coatings.
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Leaking gas tanks [message #132713 is a reply to message #132623] |
Thu, 30 June 2011 00:56 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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I'm not sure that he is. He was talking about it. You need to check with him to see if that is still an active project. He had the tanks off of the blue coach cleaning and sealing them at the time I talked to him. That project is probably done by now.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Leaking gas tanks [message #132786 is a reply to message #132774] |
Thu, 30 June 2011 11:51 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Sometimes, the fix becomes part of the problem. I had a 1983 Chev K5 Blazer
with the 31 gallon Optional fuel tank complete with skid plate. The skid
plate was located in very close proximity to the bottom of the fuel tank.
Small stones would fly up from the tires and gather in that space.
Eventually the heavy fuel laden tank vibrating on the gravel wore holes in
the tank, causing leaks. I never did hit an off road object that even
scratched the skid plate. I replaced the fuel tank with one from LMC Truck.
But the GMC tanks are rusting out from condensed water in the tank that
stratifies with the water being the greatest SG at the bottom, next to the
metal tank, water + steel + O2 from our wonderful reformulated oxygenated
$4.00 fuel equals rusted out tanks. There are frequently many small holes,
not just the one that is leaking today. The best fix would be to find a
similar sized fuel tank that is a polymer that is compatible with modern
fuels, and has a well for an in-tank fuel pump/sender combination, as well
as provisions for adequate venting and fuel injection return lines. Just for
a gathering of information, how many of you would buy such a replacement
package if one were offered for a price that reflected actual cost of
production + a little profit for the developer? Just thinking.
Jim Hupy
Salem, OR
78 GMC Royale 403
On Thu, Jun 30, 2011 at 9:18 AM, Bill Freeman <flipflapco@mchsi.com> wrote:
>
>
> Too many times I have tried to braze rust holes in a fuel tank. It never
> seems to last because if there are holes you can find, there are a lot more
> that will show up later on. I have had somewhat more success with slosh
> coating motorcycle tanks but not sure I would try that with a GMC. Best
> look for a good used tank instead of fiddling around with a rusted out one.
> --
> Bill Freeman
> 78 Royale 73 Sequoia
> Colerain, North Carolina
> http://tinyurl.com/yx7nra
> _______________________________________________
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| Re: [GMCnet] Leaking gas tanks [message #132792 is a reply to message #132534] |
Thu, 30 June 2011 12:10 |
voodoolng
Messages: 40
Registered: February 2004
Location: Colo
Karma: 0
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I had my tanks done about 7 years ago by a prof. person and when I went in to put an electric fuel pump some of the pieces were floating around like big cornflakes.
New tanks at Cbar are a grand apiece. So I decided to install a P30 tank 40 gallons just behind the rear wheels. I had a storage space under the bed so installed in that location. It almost done. Ive been taking pictures as I go. It will have an OEM electric pump also. Got a new tank for $189 and new sender/pump for $115.
This should also help with the cooling of the gas sitting a little farther back and not underneath.
When Iam done I will post the pictures in the gmc photo under voodoolng.
I just can't justify $2000 for gas tanks that are so much trouble to use while traveling, sloashing levels, heat.
Iam removing the front tank and rear will stay for the Gen and to use as a reserve to pump/filtered to the new main tank. This will give me about 60 gallons on the trips.
73 Glacier Voodoo lounge
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| Re: [GMCnet] Leaking gas tanks [message #132793 is a reply to message #132534] |
Thu, 30 June 2011 12:13 |
Steven Ferguson
Messages: 3447
Registered: May 2006
Karma: 0
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JR,
If you're rubbing holes in them with a rag, I can't imagine there's enough
good metal to repair. Once you start brazing, you'll never quit. Those
sound like the bottoms are completely gone. If the thing sat with re rear
down, I can imagine the back 1/4 of the tank being shot.
Must be a pair of good used ones out there. Another consideration would be
to make a single replacement like TZE+ (Darren) did.
On Tue, Jun 28, 2011 at 7:14 PM, Gerald Wheeler <jrwheeler7@earthlink.net>wrote:
>
> Working on my deceased friend's 77 Birchaven; finally finished his projects
> and attempted to start the engine; wouldn't start. Would start when
> pouring gas into the carb. Poured 5 gallons into the tanks; smelled gas;
> saw several small leaks on the bottom of the forward tank. Caught about 2
> gallons of gas in a bucket before it stopped dripping. Saw a small drop on
> the rear tank; rubbed it with a rag and it started pouring out; captured
> the other 3 gallons. Now have to pull both tanks.
>
> Question: Can anyone tell me if they have repaired their tanks and if so,
> how and what products or services used??
>
> Any other ideas??
>
> Coach is in Winston Salem, NC. Thanks for suggestions.
>
> JR Wheeler NC/OR
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Steve Ferguson
Sierra Vista, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] Leaking gas tanks [message #132826 is a reply to message #132793] |
Thu, 30 June 2011 14:34 |
Jim Bounds
Messages: 842
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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My main mechanic here has over 30 years in the radiator business, I had used him
as a sub for recoring radiators and lining fuel tanks for over 5 years myself
before he signed on with me. The radiator industry trying to put the small
radiator shop out of business by making most new car radiators "throw aways",
his business got to the point he closed up. We are now recoring radiators and
lining fuel tanks in house. He will first flush the tank with MEK then line it
using Red Kote which he says is the best stuff out there. He has the experience
and I'm proud to have him working with me. We can clean and line a GMC fuel
tank in @ 3 hours labor ($240) with @ $50-75 of materials-- total is @ $290-315
depending on how bad it is. These are estimates. Of course you have shipping,
can't do anything about that.
Rusting tanks will be an increasing issue with this ethanol. Building new tanks
will have to happen some day but for now, if the holes are not swiss cheese,
this process will work well.
Jim Bounds
-----------------------
----- Original Message ----
From: Steven Ferguson <botiemad11@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Thu, June 30, 2011 1:13:52 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Leaking gas tanks
JR,
If you're rubbing holes in them with a rag, I can't imagine there's enough
good metal to repair. Once you start brazing, you'll never quit. Those
sound like the bottoms are completely gone. If the thing sat with re rear
down, I can imagine the back 1/4 of the tank being shot.
Must be a pair of good used ones out there. Another consideration would be
to make a single replacement like TZE+ (Darren) did.
On Tue, Jun 28, 2011 at 7:14 PM, Gerald Wheeler <jrwheeler7@earthlink.net>wrote:
>
> Working on my deceased friend's 77 Birchaven; finally finished his projects
> and attempted to start the engine; wouldn't start. Would start when
> pouring gas into the carb. Poured 5 gallons into the tanks; smelled gas;
> saw several small leaks on the bottom of the forward tank. Caught about 2
> gallons of gas in a bucket before it stopped dripping. Saw a small drop on
> the rear tank; rubbed it with a rag and it started pouring out; captured
> the other 3 gallons. Now have to pull both tanks.
>
> Question: Can anyone tell me if they have repaired their tanks and if so,
> how and what products or services used??
>
> Any other ideas??
>
> Coach is in Winston Salem, NC. Thanks for suggestions.
>
> JR Wheeler NC/OR
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Steve Ferguson
Sierra Vista, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] Leaking gas tanks [message #132827 is a reply to message #132826] |
Thu, 30 June 2011 14:49 |
Gary Worobec
Messages: 867
Registered: May 2005
Karma: -1
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Senior Member |
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Jim,
That seems like a very fair price all things considered.
Thanks
Gary and Joanne Worobec
1973 GMC Glacier
Anza, CA
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Bounds" <gmccoop@yahoo.com>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2011 12:34 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Leaking gas tanks
My main mechanic here has over 30 years in the radiator business, I had used
him
as a sub for recoring radiators and lining fuel tanks for over 5 years
myself
before he signed on with me. The radiator industry trying to put the small
radiator shop out of business by making most new car radiators "throw
aways",
his business got to the point he closed up. We are now recoring radiators
and
lining fuel tanks in house. He will first flush the tank with MEK then line
it
using Red Kote which he says is the best stuff out there. He has the
experience
and I'm proud to have him working with me. We can clean and line a GMC fuel
tank in @ 3 hours labor ($240) with @ $50-75 of materials-- total is @
$290-315
depending on how bad it is. These are estimates. Of course you have
shipping,
can't do anything about that.
Rusting tanks will be an increasing issue with this ethanol. Building new
tanks
will have to happen some day but for now, if the holes are not swiss cheese,
this process will work well.
Jim Bounds
-----------------------
----- Original Message ----
From: Steven Ferguson <botiemad11@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Thu, June 30, 2011 1:13:52 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Leaking gas tanks
JR,
If you're rubbing holes in them with a rag, I can't imagine there's enough
good metal to repair. Once you start brazing, you'll never quit. Those
sound like the bottoms are completely gone. If the thing sat with re rear
down, I can imagine the back 1/4 of the tank being shot.
Must be a pair of good used ones out there. Another consideration would be
to make a single replacement like TZE+ (Darren) did.
On Tue, Jun 28, 2011 at 7:14 PM, Gerald Wheeler
<jrwheeler7@earthlink.net>wrote:
>
> Working on my deceased friend's 77 Birchaven; finally finished his
> projects
> and attempted to start the engine; wouldn't start. Would start when
> pouring gas into the carb. Poured 5 gallons into the tanks; smelled gas;
> saw several small leaks on the bottom of the forward tank. Caught about 2
> gallons of gas in a bucket before it stopped dripping. Saw a small drop on
> the rear tank; rubbed it with a rag and it started pouring out; captured
> the other 3 gallons. Now have to pull both tanks.
>
> Question: Can anyone tell me if they have repaired their tanks and if so,
> how and what products or services used??
>
> Any other ideas??
>
> Coach is in Winston Salem, NC. Thanks for suggestions.
>
> JR Wheeler NC/OR
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Steve Ferguson
Sierra Vista, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] Leaking gas tanks [message #132843 is a reply to message #132833] |
Thu, 30 June 2011 16:44 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Contact John Nicholls (johnrita1 at cox dot net). He may still have
the tanks in the flatbed (the coach Rita rolled).
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI+ & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com
On Thu, Jun 30, 2011 at 4:32 PM, Gerald Wheeler wrote:
>... SO,
> anyone have one or a pair of GMC gas tanks for sale??
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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