RATS... I guess... chewed 3 holes in the top of the gas tank of my Daughters few years old push mower between mowings. She left it under the carport instead of in the garage.

She stuffed a wadded up plastic bag in the holes and only filled the tank ~half way and mowed with it today

I can't look up a replacement tank yet because I don't have the numbers off the engine. A quick browsing of random tanks (B&S engine) looks like they may want more for a new one the the mower is worth.

I tried patching one several years ago and failed. Between the flexing of the plastic, vibration, and the gas it didn't hold. I think I tried JB weld, and then something else, can't remember for sure.

Anyway, has anyone had any luck patching something like this?

If the mowers only a few years old I can't imagine the plastic tank being so expensive that it's a large value of the mower. Even the Honda gas tanks are in the $30 dollar range. Maybe get the mower vin# and find a replacement that isn't OEM.

If that's a no go you could probably get some thin sheet plastic and use an epoxy resin to patch it up.

Get the OE part number and google it. You can probably find a used one on eBay or aftermarket.

When my mower (13 at the time) sprung a leak in the gas tank, I bought a new tank at Jack's Small Engines.

If you can't find a tank, or it's too expensive to replace, try fiberglassing over the holes. I repaired my truck tank that had a hole poked in it, and has held for the past 7 years. Just sand around the holes to get good adhesion. I used common 2 part epoxy, and glass cloth.

Might try Blue Magic gas tank repair kit. Amazon or an auto supply should have it.

quote:

Originally posted by 220-9er:
Get the OE part number and google it. You can probably find a used one on eBay or aftermarket.

^^^This. It should be an easy repair.

I always google the part number. I’ve found gently used tanks on eBay for $10-$15 shipped and new tanks for $20 or so.

Don't patch it. Replace it. It's a lawnmower with grass flying and dirt and grit; you'll wind up with a failed patch at some point and either crud in your fuel or a fire when the fuel gets out. Just replace the tank. It's a much better choice.

In the interim, if you must run it, there are plastic epoxies that can be used. Best to use plastic to patch with overlap. Depending on the plastic, model cement can be used, or plastic epoxy. Make a patch that overlaps the hole by about 1/2" and scuff up the patch and the tank; apply the cement to both and press together. Seal the outside with additional cement or epoxy.

You can also place some aluminum tape over the hold, and seal it and the surrounding area with black or blue RTV silicon. Be sure to clean all contaminants off the tank first with alcohol and scotch brite.

A lot of ways to solve the leaky tank problem.

None of them involve "patching", IMO.

The danger of a fire is far too high!

Had a friend who experienced a flash fire on his riding mower, while he was driving it. Fortunately, he was not hurt, but the tractor burned down to the frame.

AIR, a single cup of gasoline, in vapor form, has the explosive power of 8 sticks of dynamite.

Not to mention the danger of a full on fire!

I can't believe nobody has suggested Flex Seal yet. Or Flex Tape, even.

-Rob

quote:

Originally posted by BurtonRW:
I can't believe nobody has suggested Flex Seal yet. Or Flex Tape, even.

-Rob

Not permanent solution but my fist thought as well (Flex Tape).

quote:

Originally posted by smschulz:

quote:

Originally posted by BurtonRW:
I can't believe nobody has suggested Flex Seal yet. Or Flex Tape, even.

-Rob

Not permanent solution but my fist thought as well (Flex Tape).

Fiber fix may be a better option since it cures 'hard'. It's water activated so it must be some type of polyurethane based glue? I guess it could also be CA (superglue) based. Replacing would be the best option.

quote:

Originally posted by BurtonRW:
I can't believe nobody has suggested Flex Seal yet. Or Flex Tape, even.

-Rob

The fuel will melt the adhesive. Fuel is a solvent.

If it is a common, name brand and not that expensive mower look on Craigslist and see if you see one cheap?

THAKS EVERYONE

I will look for a replacement tank first of course... then go from there. I know they make kits to patch metal gas tanks but haven't found one for plastic yet.