Gas Tank: Pinhole leak. HELP!!!

After smelling petrol almost wherever I went the last few days I figured I must have a leak at the petcock or thereabouts, leaving petrol smells on the thigh of my pants, only to find today that about 1 inch frrom the back of the left side of the tank just where it turns under there is a small leak - a pinhole or even half a pinhole or less, I can't even see it - where the gas is very slowly leaking out. Question - what is a quick fix for this (it's my commuter bike, friend, enjoyment machine on weekends etc.). I'm wondering if a gas tank repair kit from the local auto shop will do the trick. It has to be some form of external application at this stage. Later on when I repaint the tank I'll get it fixed properly. Many thanks to anyone that can help.

KarlH

 

Quick fix? In my experience it doesn't exist. You could try the repair kit but it would likely fail in time.

If I were you, I would take the tank off and take it to my local radiator shop and have the interior coated/sealed. It obviously isn't a fix but just a temporary solution. Might last a couple of years.

 

I once got about a 1 inch hole in my car gas tank and used JB weld to fix it. It held up just fine. I would definately reccomend draining the tank completley, roughing up the surface 1 inch around the hole and applying 2 layers. I use JB Quick, but let it dry at least 24 hours for best results.

 

I had the same problem on my tank - developed pinholes at the bottom corner - tell-tale sign was the paint bubbles and when I cleared those off it wasn't a drip anymore but a full-on leak.

I repaired it with JB Weld the first time around - pretty good, held up for about 4 years actually before it finally started leaking again.

Went to a rad shop, had them braze the holes then coat the inside of the tank. I suspect the rest of the tank will rust away before this fails....

 

Re: Gas Tank: Pinhole leak.

Thanks for the responses. It gives me a couple of ways to go - a quick fix with JB and the longer term petrol tank clean out, plug up and internal coating for the longer term.

Much appreciated - will do it this weekend and hopefully back on the road on Monday and arriving at work NOT smelling of petrol.

And I though I was imagining the smell following me around for a couple of days. Whew - it wasn't me - there actually was a leak onto my jeans.

Now to fix the problem. Thanks again.

KarlH