DILEMMA!!!

So, I discovered I have a small pinhole leak in the bottom of my tank. That's not the problem, I know what my options are here.....I just need help deciding on one.

I could take it into the local radiator shop and get them to repair it. It'd probably be more of a permanent solution, BUT with the long weekend approaching here in Canada there's a good chance it wouldn't be done until tuesday, which means no long weekend riding in the sun.

My other option is to go grab some jb weld or something similar and take care of it myself, and then I could ride in the sun all weekend long....


Any advice on this horrible dilemma I have would be greatly appreciated.

 

drive it while you can, get it fixed properly later...my $.02

 

There is a two part gas tank repair putty that you can get at any autoparts store that will even repair a leak still wet with gas. Works very well and may even be a long term fix if not too visible.

 

Having done this before - JB Weld or some other 'fuel tank' epoxy will hold it just fine for the time being... probably even years.

 

We had some putty in the fire department that would plug holes bigger than two fingers and not let go unles you pry it off. Stays soft. I can not recall the name "something dyke" but it can be good for temporary finxes. I have had trouble with KB Weld curing in the presence of gas fumes, but have has some successes if the surfaces are clean.

 

Cool....

I was going to go with the jb weld idea and get it fixed for real after the long weekend anyways. I just needed to hear it from others.

Thanks for the help

 

JB Weld is a lifesaver. I actually have a mixture of that and quicksteel(like JB Weld but in putty form!) plugging a quarter sized hole on my oil pan in my 4x4 truck. Sure was easier than r and r'ing the pan. Not to mention the time I have saved. No problems and this fix was done almost 5 years ago.

Duane

 

What bike do you ride?

If it's an 80's Maxim I have a tank you could borrow for the weekend. Actually it will fit a Seca too, it will just look funny cuz it won't line up with your seat well.

My Seca tanks are both going through a new paint job so I can't spare them.

Just an offer. PM me if you want. I'm leaving to Portland for the weekend a little later but I could just leave it out for you.

But everything being equal you may not want to drive out to Tsawwassen I have JB welded significant holes in a tank and it's worked just fine.

 

I have a couple tanks for an XJ650, both with dents of differing degrees but both are free from rust. Don't ask me how I ended up with three tanks, but I'll part with one of them for a modest fee (plus shipping) to a fellow XJ'er.

 

Well I didn't receive a PM so I guess you don't want to take me up on the offer. I'm off to Portland now. The weather is beautiful.

 

Watch yourself on I-5 South of Seattle. The LEOs are out in force. Read they got 50 extra hands to issue awards to speeders.

 

I always take it easy when I travel in the States. I get a little paranoid for some reason. Plus, I find the trip is always better than the destination.

By the way a little FYI

Portland is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever been to. I heard some mixed reviews before I left and I must say I had a great time there. I stayed in the old down by the water, went to the zoo, a couple of gardens, enjoyed the brewery district, did some shopping, and accidentally attended a Barack Obama rally and got to see the man (from a distance)

All in all, very enjoyable. I will be riding down again in early July I think.