Anyone ever repair one of these? It has a tiny crack at the bottom. Looks as though the previous owner nicked it on a curb or something. Wondering if one of the plastic tank repair kits would suffice.

Any experience removing the tank?

 

I should think you'd be able to fix it with epoxy.

I haven't had to remove mine, but I know that removing the bumper gives you easy access to it - you might not even need to remove the bottle it'self.

 

Mine was cracked also...

Make sure it's empty and completely dry...you don't want a couple little drops of fluid thwarting your work!!

Rough / Scuff up the area around the crack pretty well. This will give your sealant something to bond to. Since mine actually had a hole in it, I first tacked a piece of screen over the hole using Permatex. I choose Permatex because I wanted something with a bit of flex to it. Epoxy will seal it I'm sure, but just the wrong bump or bang could crack the epoxy right off.

Now just spread the sealant all around your damaged area being sure you've got good coverage. Let it dry completely then fill 'er up!

Enjoy!
Bob

 

thanks for the replies. The tank has been dry for as long as I've had the car. I found some epoxy in a junk drawer so I roughed up the tank with some sandpaper, slathered it on and allowed 20 hours to cure. Filled with fluid and it is seeping just a little, so I must have missed a spot. I didn't take the tank off, nor jack the car up, just by feel... Will have to see if I can throw a little more on there later.

 

Something about epoxy that I should have mentioned earlier: It has a finite lifespan. I discovered this just recently, whilst trying to use some 2+ year old stuff. It never cured properly, staying a bit waxy, and had vastly reduced adhesion.

 

I had a similar problem on my Porsche 928.

I managed to fix the cracks (temporarly) using a soldering iron and melting the plastic, but: It did not work for very long .

I think the only option is to change the resorvoir (I did...).

Good luck with the job. Please let us know when you fixed it!

Cato

 

If you raise the vehicle and remove the lower splash shield attached to the bumper, you will have access to the tank. if memory serves, the tank is held in place by four 10mm bolts on each corner of the tank which can be reached with a socket and extension. disconnect the electrical connector to the pump, and it comes right out.

also make sure you remove the telescoping fill neck from the tank before removal. makes things a little easier. I've gone through about 3 of those tanks.

 

The repair I mentioned in my earlier post was done over six months ago. Still not a drop leaks out.

It doesn't take long and it completely effective. I used Permatex Ultra Black though I'm sure other gasket sealers or any type of RTV sealant will work.

The key is applying to a completely dry, well scuffed up area. Get a good look at what you're doing, do it right the first time and it will last!

 

Well the epoxy seems to work so far, we'll have to wait and see how long it lasts. If/when it cracks I may give the permatex kit a go.

RE: the telescoping neck... mine doesn't seem to have that, this may be an aftermarket tank I guess.

 

from memory it can be a little difficult to extend at times.