is JB weld gasoline proof??

[skip]

I have to repair a gas tank sending unit. The plug that plugs the float to the gas gage has a broken wire inside a sealed unit on top of the sending unit. To repair ill have to drill a hole in the sending unit and by pass the sealed unit and solder the wire to the connector on the float assy. I want to seal the hole after I run the wire through with something gasoline proof. will JB weld work?......................thanks................. ......skip

[buster]

I believe it has been mentioned previously (a repair to a carb maybe) that JB weld will eventually break down in gasoline. However I am not an expert, I thinks its just something that I read on this wonderful forumn.

[Zook]

In a word,
NO.

[doctorgonzo]

Heard tell they make another variety that will work, but standard JB weld will break down if immersed in gas. I fixed a float post with it and it didn't last 24 hours.

[skip]

this wont be immersed just splashed occasionally with a very small amount and then given an opportunity to dry out.

[sdbuchert]

Maybe there are different types of JB Weld???.....the stuff that I've used says on the label that it is "impervious to gasoline". I used it to repair a tank over a year ago and have had no trouble with it and its exposed to gas constantly. That just my experience though...maybe these other guys have had it fail over a longer period of time.

[sdbuchert]

I just went to JB Welds website and found fixing fuel tanks as one their "creative uses"...check it out http://www.jbweld.net/products/uses.php
Maybe they've come up with a new, more durable formula recently?

[doctorgonzo]

I wish I could be definitive, but I and others have had it turn to putty when immersed. "exposed" to gas, probably alright.

[skip]

well now that I cut back the bad wire I may have found the spot that was the trouble I may still have enough left to solder to without drilling or using JBweld. If I don't and I have to drill, ill give the JBweld a try. I will just make sure I drill a small hole and get the wire to fit as tight as possible. then the JB weld will only be required to stop a minuscule amount of what ever fuel my splash past the wire.

[doctorgonzo]

well now that I cut back the bad wire I may have found the spot that was the trouble I may still have enough left to solder to without drilling or using JBweld. If I don't and I have to drill, ill give the JBweld a try. I will just make sure I drill a small hole and get the wire to fit as tight as possible. then the JB weld will only be required to stop a minuscule amount of what ever fuel my splash past the wire.

Use the "slow cure" mentioned above. That may be the trick. I did let mine sit for 24 hours before I used it, but it was the 4 hour cure variety.

[marvinsc]

Skip, I repaired a spliit seam on a plastic gas tank on a riding mower with JB Weld years ago. I used the slow cure stuff and it never leaked again so I'm pretty sure it's gas resistant.

[Baatfam]

I think the secret is to make sure it's fully mixed and then let it fully cure...
My experiance at work with various epoxies is until it is fully cured, it will not perform as intended...
Just because it looks/feels cured doesn't mean it is. Use the time frame on the label and then some.

[doctorgonzo]

My ultimate secret was buying a spare rack of carbs and replacing that body (heh).

[spyug]

Plumber's epoxy putty. Tried, tested and used on 2 tanks now with no issues (after 2 years). Available in the plumbing section of Home Depot, Lowes, Home hardware and the like.

2 years back when I was fixing holes in my XS tank, I made up a "pebble" of the putty and immersed it in a cup of gas for about 5 or 6 weeks. Rock hard and absolutely no deterioration.

Great stuff for all kinds of repairs. I think it is the same stuff they sell on TV as Mighty Putty.

Giver it a try.

Cheers,
Spyug

[skip]

thanks for all the help you guys rock!