Solder a vent tube on a C1 gas tank?

[Dick W.]

Re: Solder a vent tube on a C1 gas tank?

Michael, check your chemistry books. Carbon monoxide is a flamable/explosive gas. Get the right concentration and it just adds to the problem with gasoline vapor. If you have to solder a tank, steam out to clean. Take an air hose with an open ended coupler. Attach your hose to a pressure regulator to reduce the pressure so as the hose will not whip around when you turn it loose. Insert open end in gas tank and turn on the air. Let it thorourghly ventilate the tank. Leave the air on and start your repairs using a heated soldering iron, nothing that produces a spark or flame. As long as the air is flowing in the tank it should be too lean to do anything. You should be below the lower explosive limit, 1.3%. I have repaired tanks in the past using this method, but personally I would sent it to a shop that specializes in this type repair. Clem's post of using dry ice is also a good tip. Dry ice is CO2 which is an inert gas. This will displace the gas vapors also

[Michael H.]

Re: Solder a vent tube on a C1 gas tank?

I like your idea a lot better. I never was completely convinved that those guys had it figured out using the exhaust hose but it did work. Maybe they were just lucky. Actually, I like your last suggestion the best. Send it out and let the guys that do this professionally take care of it.

[Ralph Harlan]

Re: Solder a vent tube on a C1 gas tank?

I have oxy-acetylene welded several used gasoline tanks (Harleys, Triumphs, Chevy Novas, lawnmowers, and the suburban) using the old coathanger but I am always very thorough in washing it out with DAWN dishwashing detergent & warm water. DAWN - as advertised - will cut through the grease (in this case gasoline film) effectively. I always use a liberal amount of DAWN and fill the tank about 80% full and rock it vigorously about 3 - 4 minutes for each washout (sometimes turning the tank upside down and sideways if it is small enough). After I do the repair I will again use DAWN and warm water and then rinse the tank thoroughly with warm water before using a shop vacuum to get the last of the water and dry the inside of the tank (DON'T use the shop vac on the tank BEFORE washing it out with the detergent, though)! If you wish to pressure test your repair, don't put more than about 10 # to it or you will deform it. Using a soapy spray you can spray the outside around the repair while you have about 3 - 5 # of air pressure on it and watch for the bubbles. A solder repair should go easier.