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Max Hubrich · 04-25-2007, 06:20 AM

A Canadian traveler (snow bird) was traversing North Carolina in a 35' class A motorhome (35 ft) today and the right tailpipe (W-22, 8.1 ltr) came off and went under his Saturn "toad" . He did't hear or feel anything. It put a hole in the gas tank and other motorists alerted him to his misfortune. He is at the muffler shop getting a new tailpipe installed. Any ideas how to patch the gas tank up so he can drive the car?

Max H
2002 37' Newmar Mountaire, Gas
2006 Malibu toad

Max Hubrich · 04-25-2007, 06:20 AM

A Canadian traveler (snow bird) was traversing North Carolina in a 35' class A motorhome (35 ft) today and the right tailpipe (W-22, 8.1 ltr) came off and went under his Saturn "toad" . He did't hear or feel anything. It put a hole in the gas tank and other motorists alerted him to his misfortune. He is at the muffler shop getting a new tailpipe installed. Any ideas how to patch the gas tank up so he can drive the car?

Max H
2002 37' Newmar Mountaire, Gas
2006 Malibu toad

Adventurer · 04-25-2007, 07:08 AM

Is it plastic or metal?

Plastic repair kits that will stand up to gasoline can be found at any Autozone, PepBoys etc.

Steel requires dropping the tank, flushing it, and welding in a patch. All the expedient remedies like tape, JB Weld, putty, etc are for fools looking for a trip to the hospital or morgue.

Max Hubrich · 04-25-2007, 12:23 PM

Thanks Adventurer--

I owned 3 Saturns and I couldn't tell you if the tanks were metal or plastic-- never thought about it. He's on his way to New Brunswick,CAN, now and I guess he'll figure it out. He can read this along the way. They (both he and his wife) just recently retired from the Canadian armed forces-- good luck, eh !

Max H

Argosy · 04-27-2007, 11:45 AM

If it is metal get one out of a junk yard, Saturns are plentiful. By the time you clean it and weld it the price would be the same. Besides the tank would be galvanized, that will have to be ground off to weld on it, then no more rust protection.

full-timer · 04-28-2007, 04:38 AM

Depends on the size of the hole. Back in the 70's I repaired a small hole in a gas tank by first stopping the leak with a piece of soap then covering it with epoxy. It worked very well. Come to think of it I forgot about the leak so it must have worked excellent. I'm sure they have better products now.

Joe

rclarke · 04-28-2007, 03:48 PM

I don't understand anybody who would try to repair a gas tank. The only proper repair is to replace the tank (used or new)

Toby · 04-30-2007, 04:12 PM

I stopped a leak in my F-150 gas tank and it stayed put until I sold it 4 or 5 lears later--still may be holding. Go to a marine store or on line and get some marine tech ( I think thats what its called), Works good on metal. Clean the area real good. Do not use anything that will spark. Drain the gas so the gas level is below the hole and apply the marine tech. Let dry. I used the stuff many years ago to repair the head on my inboard gas engine in my boat. It held. s/Toby