L2850D Metal Fuel Tank Repair

[L275]

What do you use to repair a metal fuel tank inside the exterior hidden seam? Any thoughts appreciated!
Exterior Epoxy, POR15 sealer, weld (over entire seam), Brazing, Solder. ?
My L2850 fuel tank has a small leak which appears to be coming from inside the bottom seam (weld) around the outside bottom of the tank. I removed the tank and cleaned it but can't see the leak because it must be inside the seam.
Brazing may be difficult since it is inside of the seam.
I don't want to use inside tank sealer.

 

[Magicman]

Inside/outside? Air and soapy water will find the leak/bubbles outside of the tank. I ran an exhaust hose into the tank and brazed mine.

If I'm missing something then pictures?

 

[L275]

Inside/outside? Air and soapy water will find the leak/bubbles outside of the tank. I ran an exhaust hose into the tank and brazed mine.

If I'm missing something then pictures?

Thanks for the input! I'll attach pictures.

Its outside of the tank but In between the metal Seems that connect both halves so all i can see is a fuel drip from the lower seam edge since i cant open the seam. I expect that the seem is spot welded possibly.
Did Brazing hold up well for your tank?
I'm thinking of brazing or maybe soldering since i wont need an open flame but i may need to solder or braze the entire seem which could still allow fuel to escape the tank between the seem and repair solder or brazing.
I considered the POR15 Patch but am concerned about not finding and sealing the actual leaking spot since it's in the seam.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Several liquid tank sealers on the market, I would use one of those, POR 15 is on the top of the list.

 

[L275]

Several liquid tank sealers on the market, I would use one of those, POR 15 is on the top of the list.

Thanks for the input!
I considered prying apart the exterior seam at the bottom of the tank near the discharge supply nipple since that is where the drip is coming from but i'm not sure if prying the seam apart will allow the seam to separate enough to see the actual leak or if it will cause more damage.

 

[GeoHorn]

Bill HIrsch Gas tank sealer .... sold for airplanes even...good for all fuels: https://www.aircraftspruce.com/cata...uUBuF1zewA65T5rPPC7gvrVpmiT_Ao7xoChosQAvD_BwE

 

[Magicman]

I see your dilemma which is why I asked for pictures. As NIW stated above, use a liquid tank sealer.

 

[L275]

Bill HIrsch Gas tank sealer .... sold for airplanes even...good for all fuels: https://www.aircraftspruce.com/cata...uUBuF1zewA65T5rPPC7gvrVpmiT_Ao7xoChosQAvD_BwE

Thanks, Good Product.

 

[L275]

I see your dilemma which is why I asked for pictures. As NIW stated above, use a liquid tank sealer.

Got it, Thanks.

 

[Dogbone921]

Praying the same apart will cause more damage. Use a good quality sealer and follow the directions on the can and you should be fine.

 

[Russell King]

See this thread for an interior sealing process

Rusted fuel tank repair

A few weeks ago I had trouble with my L185 acting like it was running out of fuel. Added fuel tried to start= no go! Took off fuel line into filter and no fuel came out of line. Blew air into line and it cleared blockage so I got it running. A couple weeks go by and same deal. I take tank...

www.orangetractortalks.com

Still holding up well

 

[torch]

I know you said you don't want to use an inside sealer, but honestly, POR-15 inside the tank is your best option. Follow the directions fully and it will last forever.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

re: Follow the directions fully and it will last forever.

yeah, like a guy actually READS the directions.....

 

[L275]

I know you said you don't want to use an inside sealer, but honestly, POR-15 inside the tank is your best option. Follow the directions fully and it will last forever.

Thanks, I may have to use the sealer for inside the tank on this one but I have had problems with fuel lines and filtering in the past with that type of product. (THOSE DIRECTIONS MAY HAVE BEEN THE PROBLEM)
I found upon cleaning more small holes on the bottom where the rubber pad was glued to the tank.
Soldering or brazing may also be an option.
I'll try POR 15 sealer outside first then move on to the inside sealer if needed since these fuel tanks are hard to get and very expensive.
Pictures attached...

 

[Russell King]

You may want to contact a member here 007kubotaguy to see if he has anything to replace your tank with.
He seems to have a lot of older tractor parts.

 

[L275]

You may want to contact a member here 007kubotaguy to see if he has anything to replace your tank with.
He seems to have a lot of older tractor parts.

Thanks for that info, i'll reach out to 007kubotaguy.

The tank had a piece of rubber for chaffing protection with adhesive applied to the bottom of the tank which is where most of the rot developed.
I applied the POR15 Patch after prepping the affected area so we'll see how it works in a couple days. It doesn't look real pretty but it may work.

 

[Russell King]

I didn’t know they made a thicker patching compound. Do you have to be as meticulous as with their paint in the preparation? Do you have to topcoat it with another paint?

 

[L275]

See this thread for an interior sealing process

Rusted fuel tank repair

A few weeks ago I had trouble with my L185 acting like it was running out of fuel. Added fuel tried to start= no go! Took off fuel line into filter and no fuel came out of line. Blew air into line and it cleared blockage so I got it running. A couple weeks go by and same deal. I take tank...

www.orangetractortalks.com

Still holding up well

Good Information.
I priced a new tank and a Kubota dealer said none available with the old price at $1000 so I called around to find another dealer that found a few in stock with a price now of $1700 + shipping. (New Vendor)
I hope the patch works...

 

[D2Cat]

I believe JB Weld would seal that tank. Use a strip from an old tractor or truck inner-tube for the isolater on the bottom, or a piece of an old baler belt.

 

[Magicman]

I would not even consider getting a new tank because yours is completely repairable. I would caution against using any "glue" on the outside of the tank. You want something as permanent as possible.

Bad picture and no picture of the patch, but I made a patch and brazed it on my tank that had similar chaffing.

As I mentioned earlier, I ran an exhaust hose into the tank so there was no flame danger.