Hello, I just bought a new plastic gas tank to replace my old rusty tank on my ATC 110. Problem is that it leaks around the screw in nipples for the gas lines going to the carb. The gas tank instructions said nothing about putting anything on the threads of the nipples before installation. Any ideas how to fix? I imagine many of the epoxys won't stand up to gas. How about teflon tape?

 

Just bringing to the top again.

 

Man, that is annoying when people reply to their own post after about an hour. Just be patient with it and you will get answers. As for your question I would have to say go with teflon tape.

 

So teflon tape is not affected by gasoline? What about silicone?

 

If you have an Autozone in your local area they should carry a kit (whose name escapes me right now) That is made for patching plastic gas tanks. I was just in the local store here and saw it while looking for some epoxy. JB weld will also work, just keep the gas off of it while it's setting up.

 

Oops duplicate.

 

I've used a product called "Seal-All" to fix a punctured gas tank once. Comes in a tube like epoxy glue. I just spread the stuff on while the gas was still pouring out through it. After rubbing it around a few seconds it set up and never leaked again! I was impressed. I did the same with a radiator when a stone punched a hole in a tube in the middle of no-where. I've used it since on fittings and connections too with excellent results. I've never used it on plastic though, but check it out if you can find some.

 

So what's the verdict here? Teflon tape or one of the products such as seal-all?

 

Gasoline causes massive swelling and weakening of silicone, in short don't use it for sealing where there is even a chance of gasoline contact. Teflon may be okay I'd test it to be sure, some epoxies may work too( two component epoxie paints, ect. are recomended for use in boats and aircraft where wood may need fuelproofing. )


In short if the teflon holds up in gasoline for a day use it and foggetaboutit. Other chemicals are a pain and an 'O' ring may not work.

 

How about JB Weld? It appears to not be affected by gasoline and it says it can be used on plastic.