Welding oil tank?

[Dennis]

Hi all,

I need to get some holes in the oil tank fixed. Can I weld this, or do I run the risk that some of the wire that will undoubtly be sticking out on the inside of the tank gets loose? Of course the tank is empty before I intend to do this.

Another option is to JB Weld it or use molten zinc to close the holes?

Any ideas?

Thanks

Dennis

[sithot]

Radiator Shop. Best bet there is.

Good luck,

Tom

[roblav]

I would braze weld it.

[LeafGreen]

If you intend to repair the tank yourself by welding, brazing or even soldering, make sure it is squeaky clean on the inside as well as removing rust, etc...from the outside (a little bit of oil or oxidation at the repair zone will ruin your day). Soak the tank in some good soap (Castrol Super Clean or equiv.), you may even have to apply acid base flux with a wire brush and slightly heat the area to burn off some of the contaminants before you begin soldering, whatever you do the metal MUST be clean and oxide free. Soldering using a propane or map gas torch may be the easiest permanent repair option - and everything you need is available at Orchard Supply.

[sithot]

Radiator shop. It's not worth the trouble and I don't care how handy you are with tools. It's messy, it's stinky and the fumes can wipe you out in a minute.
A buddy just had a Jaguar fuel tank out of an XJS Convertible fixed as it had many leaks. They (local radiator shop) did it for a reasonable figure. His next move was to have it covered by Rhino Liners since the thing (the Jag) apparently leaks water too (what a surprise!) and was the main reason the tank sported holes in the bottom (from sitting in an H2O bath most of it's life).
I've done motorcycle tanks and they are no fun either. The radiator shop guys do this all the time. Trust me; If you never believe any advice I dole out here, believe this. I'd almost be willing to loan you the money to save you the grief. It's not going to break the bank.

Good luck,

Tom

[LeafGreen]

Tom,

I agree. The radiator shop solution is great advice, and makes sense from almost every angle, however, if the guy is motivated to improve on some fabrication skills, then I'm happy to share any bit of information I know. I have always been one of the guys who would reach for the tools rather than the wallet to get things done (because as a young auto enthusiast my wallet was rarely used for keeping $$$) - so my suggestions will usually come from that angle.

[sithot]

I understand, completely. I too try to do it myself but sometimes I let the wallet do it when it's going to be a potential pain in the butt.
Good on you for sharing.

Best,

Tom

[Paul Schooley]

I'm told simple soldering of the tank works fine. Preprep cleanliness is godliness as well. That sorta stuff is definately something you want to throw money at (as in let the rad shop do it) unless you're determined to do it yourself just to say you did.