Leaking stainless steel tank

[rmlarson1098]

Originally Posted by S/V Adeline

Come on, you haven't had a good day unless a reciprocating saw pins you against a bulkhead and beats the living crap right out of you. (Fun times)

The primary reason I suggested TIG was to prevent spatter/slag inside water tank.

I realize this is the best time for thorough cleaning, just thinking of S.S. and how bad it spatters.

Damn Sawzalls! But yes, you're right about the heli-arc. If you can get all the moisture out of the crack TIG would rule. No sparks or spatter. Somewhere here someone mentioned a 12" hole (clean-out), and I shuddered thinking about trying to weld inside a tank thru a 12" hole. Could be done, but everything had better be just right.

[S/V Adeline]

Originally Posted by rmlarson1098

Damn Sawzalls! But yes, you're right about the heli-arc. If you can get all the moisture out of the crack TIG would rule. No sparks or spatter. Somewhere here someone mentioned a 12" hole (clean-out), and I shuddered thinking about trying to weld inside a tank thru a 12" hole. Could be done, but everything had better be just right.

I looked up those Muggy rods and believe I will get a starter pack ($100 for S.S.) My fuel tank has a pinhole near the bottom facing the bilge. If the inside looks decent I will try those on the outside. (I don't see it being practical from inside due to access)

[SkipMark]

Lots of good, useful information in this thread. Thanks, folks!!

[hpeer]

There is another method not mentioned yet.

There is an AIRCRAFT two part fuel tank sealant.

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus...ksealants.html

But you can also get it from Life Calk, at a higher price with fewer options.

It WILL seal the leak.

I don’t know what it will do to the water quality. I suspect it’s not recommended. I also suspect it’s less toxic than cheap 100 proof rum! Pick your poison so to speak. Not recommending, just informing.

[TEV]

I have '84 cruising boat with 70 & 130 gallon built in SS tanks would have to gut the boat to replace. Started leaking last year and after research, talking with top local boat repair guy it came down to Microseal acetone base, it's food grade sealer. It's of water consistence very fast drying fills pin holes, sprayed with spray bottle around bottom and corners of tank. Reaching in through inspection hole I reached as far as possible sprayed 3 coats let dry day or more between coats. No leaks and another local trawler did their tanks about 4 years ago. Good luck.

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by hpeer

There is another method not mentioned yet.

There is an AIRCRAFT two part fuel tank sealant.

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus...ksealants.html

But you can also get it from Life Calk, at a higher price with fewer options.

It WILL seal the leak.

I don’t know what it will do to the water quality. I suspect it’s not recommended. I also suspect it’s less toxic than cheap 100 proof rum! Pick your poison so to speak. Not recommending, just informing.

Sikaflex do a thick brushable potable water safe product that would probably be perfect for your application, given that you already have good access to the tank.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Gjoa.

Originally Posted by Tetepare

Don’t mess with it till you know it leaks. Put blue food dye in it, trace where it might come out and look for color.

And/or sprinkle talc powder across the hull, downstream of the tank. The water, if leaking, will leave tracks in the powder, as runs down towards the bilge.