Each year, I have to mow several acres of grass with commercial lawn equipment. Exmark and Grasshopper are just two of the brands that I own. All of the ZTR's and the commercial walk behinds have plastic gas tanks.
Even the tanks on the diesel powered machines are made of plastic. My question: What product works best for repairing cracks on plastic tanks? Activation Limit Exceeded. On one of the Exmarks, I have tried four different products and only one has worked temporarily. The crack is on the bottom of the tank adjacent to and including where one of the bolts secures the tank to the bracket.
With changes in epoxy resins and plastic composites, it is possible for you to repair cracks and holes in plastic tanks. Steps Exercise Program. The bond created with the plastic epoxy is. Knowing the various ways to repair a plastic gas tank. The tool to get the right plastic rod that the welder melts to patch up the broken plastic gas tank.
The only product that has lasted any length of time is Silicone caulking, but I would like to find something that lasts longer. I may end up trying to cover the crack with some clear plastic that's heated up with a heat gun, since i don't own a plastic welder. I own several pieces of equipment and I try to save money where it's possible. To me, it seems rediculous to have to buy a new tank, since the crack is approximately 1 1/2 inches long and the thickness of a razor blade. It appears that vibration caused the crack and fatigue. What product have you used as a permanent fix? Well, so far, I have tried JB Weld and that didn't hold.
I also tried a two part epoxy and that didn't last either. The last product was a putty type material (forgot the name) and the gas leaked through in about 3 minutes. Before I have attempted repairs, I thoroughly clean the area and made sure to sand the plastic lightly to increase the adhesion. It's possible that because the crack also is in the area of the bolt hole, that I need an injectable material. I believe this is why silicone worked in the past. The caulking gun applies enough pressure to force the silicone up all the way through the crack and into the bottom of the fuel tank. And then the fuel tank sits on a steel bracket that keeps the silicone from lifting.
I'm hoping that maybe by using a heat gun, that I could melt some clear plastic over the crack. Of course, that's only after the tank has thoroughly aired out and is dry. Maybe somebody else has more experience with plastic tanks. You'd have to get pretty lucky with the poke and hope method of plastic repair. There may well be some miracle substance that repairs plastic, but I don't know anything about it. We don't do much plastic welding at work, but do some.
Waves Vocal Rider Crack on this page. First thing we have to know is what type of plastic it is, and get identical filler material. There are requirements for heat and air/gas pressure for each specific plastic. Once those requirements are met, I've always felt luck plays a part. Even if you have the right tips, gas, fillers, it still doesn't always go well. Without meeting the requirements, you'd have to be real lucky to achieve any positive result at all. It definitely isn't as easy as welding plastic pipe(gas line). If you happened across someone with a plastic welder who had the experience to use it, I'd bet you could have it truly repaired for less than $100.