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Tank leak
Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2015 6:34 pm
by ME 109
A few weeks back a friend found his R80 tank had sprung a leak. The leak was from around the rear mounting bracket.
Fortunately the tiny crack was exposed and not hidden behind the bracket.
Soap.......
Soap rubbed on the tiny crack stopped the leak.
The crack was producing a drip every 15 seconds.
This was hundreds of k's from home. Two applications from a bar of soap got him home.
The soap repair will also resist pressure build up as the fuel sloshes about. Yes the tank is vented, but I reckon there'd be a small amount of pressure as the tank vented.
Re: Tank leak
Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2015 6:48 pm
by bbelk
I would not have thought of soap. Chewing gum maybe. JB Weld definitely, supper glue?
Re: Tank leak
Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2015 10:53 pm
by SteveD
A leak from that bracket area is not unheard of.
What's the best repair option if the crack is unsited? A por15 liner?
Re: Tank leak
Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2015 11:11 pm
by Duane Ausherman
Soap was a common remedy from way back when. It can get you home.
Soap Thread
Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2015 11:13 pm
by Rob
What is the best brand of soap to use?
Re: Tank leak
Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2015 1:32 am
by ME 109
SteveD wrote:A leak from that bracket area is not unheard of.
What's the best repair option if the crack is unsited? A por15 liner?
A temporary silicone fix to get you home, but messy stuff to remove for a proper repair.
If the leak was from behind the bracket I might cut the bracket off where it leaves the tank, to allow access to seal weld around the top of the cut off bracket, then weld the bracket back on.
Repairs with braze or mig or tig would be my preference.
Re: Soap Thread
Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2015 1:38 am
by ME 109
Rob wrote:What is the best brand of soap to use?
You Stinkin' Bikin' Bastard's Crack Soap, I think it was.
That's what it said on the packet, but I reckon it looked just like normal soap.

Re: Tank leak
Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2015 2:14 pm
by Major Softie
bbelk wrote:...supper glue?
For a meal that sticks to your ribs?
Re: Soap Thread
Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2015 6:29 pm
by Duane Ausherman
Rob wrote:What is the best brand of soap to use?
Any type of bar soap, just force it in.
Reminded me of "What is the best gun for self defense?" The first one that you can reach.